Animal Management System Including Radio Animal Tag and Additional Transceiver(s)

ABSTRACT

An animal management system includes a beacon, a radio animal tag configured to monitor the proximity of the animal tag to the beacon, and a reader configured to read information from the animal tag.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/881,653, filed Jan. 21, 2007, entitled “ANIMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMINCLUDING RADIO ANIMAL TAG AND ADDITIONAL TRANSCEIVER(S),” thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an animal management system including abeacon, a radio animal tag, and a reader. The system is configured tomonitor the proximity of the animal tag to the beacon and to sendinformation regarding that proximity to the reader. The beacon putslocation information into the tag and the reader retrieves the locationinformation from the tag.

BACKGROUND

In the past, animal identification (e.g., ear tags, ear tattoos, legbands, etc.) has been used to prove ownership and deter theft ofanimals, such as livestock. In recent years, concerns about diseases andcontamination have increased, thus leading to a domestic push toincrease the scope of livestock surveillance. Passive radio frequencyidentification animal tags have been employed to provide a simple wayfor a computer to read the identity of an animal and to provideinformation about that animal from a database. There remains a need foradditional methods to monitor the health, well being, activity, or careof animals.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to an animal management system including abeacon, a radio animal tag, and a reader. The system is configured tomonitor the proximity of the animal tag to the beacon and to sendinformation regarding that proximity to the reader.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes an animal managementsystem. This animal management system can include a beacon, an animaltag, and a reader. The beacon can include a beacon transceiver. Thebeacon transceiver can be configured to broadcast a beacon signal over abeacon range. The beacon signal can include beacon information, whichcan include an identifier of an area of interest. The beacon rangeencompasses the area of interest. The animal tag can include memory anda tag transceiver. The memory can be configured to store taginformation. The tag transceiver can be configured to receive the beaconsignal and to transmit a tag signal including the tag information. Taginformation can include indicia identifying the animal tag, the beaconinformation, information generated upon receiving the beacon signal, ora combination thereof. The reader can include a reader transceiver. Thereader transceiver can be configured to receive the tag signal and totransmit the tag information, information generated upon receiving thetag information, or a combination thereof.

Another embodiment of the system of the present invention is a facilitymanagement system for managing animals within a facility. This facilitymanagement system can include a beacon disposed at an area of interestlocated within the facility, the area of interest being smaller than thefacility. This embodiment of the beacon includes a beacon transceiverconfigured to broadcast a beacon signal over a beacon range encompassingat least a portion of the area of interest. This system also include ananimal tag disposed on an animal, the animal being confined to a regionof the facility, the region being larger than the area of interest. Thisembodiment of the animal tag includes a tag transceiver configured toreceive the beacon signal when within the beacon range of the beacon.This system also includes a reader disposed in or proximal to the regionin which the animal is confined.

The present invention also includes a method of monitoring animalbehavior. This method can include providing an animal and an animal tagcoupled to the animal. The animal tag includes a tag transceiver andmemory storing tag information including indicia identifying the animal.In this method, the animal is enclosed in a region of a facilityincluding at least a portion of an area of interest; the area ofinterest being within and smaller than the facility. This methodincludes broadcasting from a beacon a beacon signal encompassing thearea of interest. The beacon signal can include beacon informationincluding an identifier of the area of interest.

This method includes receiving the beacon signal at the tag transceiverwhen the animal is in or adjacent to the area of interest. The memory ofthe animal tag storing tag information including the beacon information,information generated at the animal tag when the beacon signal isreceived, or a combination thereof. This method includes transmittingfrom the tag to the reader a tag signal including tag information. Thismethod also includes receiving at the reader transceiver the tag signalfrom the animal tag.

This method also includes transmitting reader information from thereader transceiver to a data manager. The reader information includingthe tag information, information generated when the tag information isreceived at the reader, or a combination thereof. The method alsoinclude processing the reader information received by the data managerto determine a status of the animal and presenting an alert if thestatus of the animal is outside predefined parameters.

The invention also relates to a beacon including a beacon transceiver.The beacon transceiver can be configured to broadcast a beacon signalover a beacon range. The beacon signal can include beacon informationincluding an identifier of an area of interest. The beacon rangeencompasses an area of interest.

The invention also relates to an animal tag including memory and a tagtransceiver. The memory can be configured to store tag information. Thetag transceiver can be configured to receive the beacon signal and totransmit a tag signal including the tag information. The tag informationcan include indicia identifying the animal tag, the beacon information,information generated upon receiving the beacon signal, or a combinationthereof.

The invention also relates to a reader transceiver. The readertransceiver can be configured to receive the tag signal and to transmitthe tag information, information generated upon receiving the taginformation, or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example embodimentof an animal management system including a beacon, an animal tag, and areader in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an animal management system fortracking animals (e.g., livestock) over an area (e.g., a feed lot, apen, a pasture, a chute, or other location where tagged animals resideor are kept) and managing information about one or more of the animalsin accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an animal management system fortracking animals over an area including multiple beacons arranged arounda structure of interest, a power source for the beacons, a reader, and amobile reader in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another example animal managementsystem for monitoring tagged animals within a feed lot or other area ofinterest in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an example beacon that may beutilized with any animal management system disclosed herein inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an example animal tag that may beutilized in any of the animal management system disclosed herein inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a memory storage of the animaltag configured in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram indicating an example format for amessage transmitted by a beacon, a tag, or a reader of an animalmanagement system in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow of an examplemonitoring process by which an animal tag may track a length of time theanimal tag spends in proximity to an area of interest (e.g., a trough)in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an example reader that may beutilized with any animal management system disclosed herein inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for anmanagement process by which a reader communicates with one or moreanimal tags and a data manager or mobile reader in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for a firstmanagement process implemented by a first radio transceiver of a readerin accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for a secondmanagement process implemented by a second radio transceiver of thereader in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of an example data manager that maybe utilized with any animal management system disclosed herein inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for a storeprocess by which a data storage manager may manage data received from ananimal tag in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an examplemonitoring process by which the data manager may mine the tag updatedata in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of a first example graphic userinterface (GUI) providing a daily health status for each animal beingmonitored in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of a second example GUI thatgenerally provides a current status of each animal being monitored inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of an example display that enablesa user to monitor existing alert conditions in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of an example display that providesadditional information about alert conditions with respect to specificanimals in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of an example mobile readerconfigured to facilitate communication between a data manager, such asthe data manager of FIG. 14, a reader, such as the reader of FIG. 10, abeacon, such as the beacon of FIG. 5, and/or an animal tag, such as theanimal tag of FIG. 6 in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of an animal management systemincluding one or more animal tags, a data manager, and one or morebeacons, which generally perform the functions of both the beacon andthe reader of the other animal management systems described above inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of an example animal managementsystem configured to process (e.g., track application of a vaccine) totagged animals in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an exampleupdate process that may be implemented by a data manager to updateinformation on an animal tag after processing an animal at theprocessing station in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example generation process bywhich a report for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) maybe generated automatically using any of the animal management systemsdisclosed herein in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for an example transmission process by which abeacon may certify a message transmitted to an animal tag of one of theanimal management systems disclosed herein originates from an authorizedsource in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an exampleverification process by which an animal tag, a reader, and/or a datamanager of one of the animal systems disclosed herein may certify anencrypted message originated from an authorized source in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

As used herein, the term “animal” refers to macroscopic animalsincluding vertebrates. Animals include domesticated animals, such aslivestock and companion animals, and wild animals, such as game animalsor fish. Livestock include animals such as swine (pig), piglet, horse,donkey, bison, deer, alpaca, llama, sheep, lamb, goat, bovine (e.g.,cow), farmed fish (e.g., salmon) and, birds (e.g., chickens, ducks, andgeese). This list of animals is intended to be illustrative only, andshould not limit the scope of any of the following disclosure related tothe present invention.

An event history includes a record of discrete events in the life of theanimal. In an embodiment, the event history logs commercial transactionsinvolving the animal, medical procedures performed on the animal, anyother such incidents. For example, an event history may include a datethe animal was born, a date the animal was obtained (e.g., bought), adate the animal was branded, a date the animal was vaccinated, types ofvaccinations administered, date the animal was castrated, and/or a datethe animal was/will be slaughtered.

An activity history includes a record of activities regularly performedby the animal. Non-limiting examples of such activities may includeapproaching a food trough, eating at a food trough, leaving a foodtrough, approaching a water trough, drinking at a water trough, leavinga water trough, approaching a mineral station, consuming a mineral(e.g., salt) at a mineral station, leaving a mineral station, entering astall, leaving a stall, entering a milking parlor, leaving a milkingparlor, approaching a fence, leaving the fence, entering a truck,exiting a truck, entering a chute, leaving a chute, and standing and/orlaying in a wind break. An activity history also may includedescriptions of the activities, such as the amount of food consumed in apredetermined period of time (e.g., daily), the amount of liquidconsumed in a predetermined period of time, and/or the amount of milkproduced in a predetermined period of time.

As used herein, the term “track” refers to identifying, locating,recording, and/or monitoring of animals or other objects of interest,for whatever purpose or reason. As used herein, the term “area” refersto a particular extent of space or surface or one serving a particularfunction; a geographic region. As used herein, the term “location”refers to a position or site occupied or available for occupancy ormarked by some distinguishing feature. The terms area and location areused interchangeably herein.

As used herein, the term “adjacent” refers to in contact with orseparated by too little space for another tagged animal to occupy thespace between the area of interest and the subject animal.

As used herein with respect to a beacon range and an area of interest,the term “encompass” refers to a beacon range that extends over andslightly beyond an area of interest. Accordingly, a tag arranged withinor adjacent to the area of interest will be within the beacon range. Forexample, if the area of interest is a feed trough, then a beacon rangethat encompasses the feed trough may extend beyond a perimeter of thefeed trough sufficient to be viewed by a tag coupled to an animalstanding adjacent to the feed trough. The term encompass does notindicate a beacon range extending significantly beyond the area ofinterest or extending sufficiently beyond the area of interest to have asignificant impact on the results of monitoring the presence of ananimal in or adjacent to the area of interest.

As the term is used herein, a trough refers to a structure, station, orlocation from which an animal may consume nourishment (e.g., food,drink, minerals, or other consumables). For example, a feed troughrefers to a structure, station, or location at which an animal may eatfood. In an embodiment, a trough may include a generally elongatereceptacle configured to hold nourishment. In other embodiments,however, a trough may refer to any naturally occurring or man-madestructure, station, or location configured to contain nourishment.

Animal Management System

The present disclosure relates to an animal management system. Theanimal management system can include one or more animal tags, one ormore readers, and one or more beacons. In general, beacons, which may bearranged adjacent areas of interest, broadcast announcements of thebeacons' presence. Each animal tag stores an identifier and a status(e.g., events, health, etc.) of a corresponding animal. An animal tagcoming within range of a beacon updates its status to reflect contactwith the beacon. Periodically, the tags report status updates to one ormore readers, which forward the information to a data manager forprocessing and storage.

Beacon

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a beacon, which can havefeatures in addition to those described herein. The beacon can belocated at any site within an animal growing or handling facility atwhich it is desired to track the proximity of an animal. The beacon canbe at a site within the facility (e.g., farm, ranch, feed lot, or stockyard) at which it can communicate with the reader. In an embodiment, thebeacon is proximal a feed trough. In an embodiment, the beacon isproximal a water trough.

The beacon is configured to broadcast a presence announcement over apredetermined region. For example, in an embodiment, the beacon maybroadcast identifying indicia capable of distinguishing the individualbeacon, the type of beacon, or other appropriate information. The beaconcan be configured to maintain adequate strength of its field in theregion, volume, or area in which it is desired that the system track thepresence of the tag(s) in cooperation with the beacon. For example, thebeacon can be shielded to shape its field. In an embodiment, the beaconis shielded to configure its field to cover a volume occupied by headsof animals eating at a feeding trough. In an embodiment, the beacon isshielded to configure its field to cover a volume occupied by heads ofanimals drinking at a watering system.

In an embodiment, the beacon is configured communicate with the animaltag over a distance from a point proximal a watering system to a head ofan animal drinking at the watering system. In an embodiment, the beaconis configured communicate with the animal tag over a distance from apoint proximal a feed trough to a head of an animal eating at the feedtrough. The beacon can be configured communicate with the animal tagover a distance of 3 meters or less.

In an embodiment, the beacon is configured to be unable to communicatewith the tag when the tag is at a distance greater than the distancefrom a point proximal a watering system to a head of an animal drinkingat the watering system. In an embodiment, the beacon is configuredcommunicate with the animal tag only over a distance from a pointproximal a feed trough to a head of an animal eating at the feed troughor less. In an embodiment, the beacon is configured to be unable tocommunicate with the tag when the tag is more than 3 meters from thebeacon.

The beacon can include any of a variety of transceivers. The beacon caninclude a second radio transceiver and a second data processing system.In an embodiment, the second radio transceiver can be configured tocommunicate with an animal tag over a second frequency when the animaltag is in proximity to the beacon. For example, the second transceivercan include a radio that meets IEEE Standard 802.15.4 (e.g., a ZigBeetype radio). In an embodiment, the second radio transceiver can beconfigured to communicate with a reader over a first radio frequency.

In an embodiment, the second radio transceiver is configured tocommunicate with the reader when the second radio transceiver has powersufficient to transmit over a distance of 25 meters or more.

Animal Tag

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an animal tag, which canhave features in addition to those described herein. In an embodiment,the tag is configured to be coupled to an animal. For example, in anembodiment, the tag is configured to couple to an ear of an animal. Inanother embodiment, the tag is configured to couple to another sectionof the animal, such as the tail or the leg. In another embodiment, thetag is configured to couple to an object coupled to the animal. Forexample, the tag may be coupled to a collar arranged around a neck ofthe animal, a brace wrapped around a limb of the animal, or a markercoupled to the animal. In another embodiment, the tag is configured tobe implanted within the animal or ingested by the animal.

The animal tag can include a first radio transceiver, a power source(e.g., a battery), and a first data processing system. The animal tagalso may include memory for storing identifying indicia and/or otherinformation. For example, the tag can include a distinct identifyingindicia and can be configured to respond to a query only when addressedby its distinct identifying indicia.

The tag can be configured to transmit and store information, forexample, information gathered or determined while the tag is on ananimal. For example, the tag can be configured to store in memory andtransmit to the reader or the beacon the amount of time that the tag isin proximity to the beacon. In an embodiment, the tag can be configuredto communicate with a reader on a first frequency. In an embodiment, thetag may communicate with a beacon (e.g., on a second frequency).

The first radio transceiver can be configured to transmit identificationindicia, tag-specific information, animal-specific information, or somecombination thereof to a reader. In an embodiment, the first radiotransceiver is configured to transmit over a distance sufficient for thetag to be read on an animal in a holding pen by the reader external tothe holding pen. In an embodiment, the first radio transceiver isconfigured to transmit over a distance of 25 meters or more.

The tag can include any of a variety of transceivers. For example, thefirst transceiver can include or be a radio that meets IEEE Standard802.15.4 (e.g., a ZigBee type radio). In an embodiment, the firsttransceiver and the first data processing system are arranged on asingle printed circuit board. In an embodiment, the single printedcircuit board defines an area no larger than a conventional animal eartag.

Reader

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a reader, which can havefeatures in addition to those described herein. In an embodiment, thereader is near or within transmission range of an animal holding pen.For example, the reader can be proximal an animal holding pen. Thereader can transmit information to and/or receive information from oneor more tags, one or more beacons, or combination thereof. In anembodiment, the reader includes a third radio transceiver and a thirddata processing system.

In an embodiment, the reader is configured to communicate with theanimal tag. In an embodiment, the reader is configured to query the tagwith its identifying indicia. In an embodiment, the reader can beconfigured to query each of a plurality of tags with its distinctidentifying indicia to obtain information. The information can betag-specific information, general information, or a combination thereof.The tag-specific information can include, for example, time that the tagwas in proximity to a feed trough, a watering system, or both.

In an embodiment, the reader is configured to communicate with theanimal tag at a first frequency and a first power level. In anotherembodiment, the reader is configured to transmit over a distance of 25meters or more. In an embodiment, the reader is configured to transmitover a distance sufficient for the reader external to a holding pen totransmit information to an animal in the holding pen.

In an embodiment, the reader is a (second or chute-side) readerconfigured to write animal-specific information to a tag on one taggedanimal at a time. In such an embodiment, the animal-specific informationcan include, for example, information about a procedure conducted on theanimal, a medication given the animal, or a combination thereof. In anembodiment, this reader is configured to communicate with the tagemploying a power level effective for communication at a distance ofless than about 6 feet.

The reader can transmit the information, for example, to a displaydevice, a processing device, or a display and processing device. Incertain embodiments, the display device, the processing device, or thedisplay and processing device can include a personal digital assistant,a notebook computer, a desktop computer, or a plurality thereof.

ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example embodimentof an animal management system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the animalmanagement system 100 generally includes a beacon 110, an animal tag120, and a reader 130. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the animalmanagement system 100 includes a second animal tag 120′ and a secondreader 130′. In other embodiments, additional beacons 110, tags 120, andreaders 130 also may be provided as part of the animal management system100.

Beacon 110 is generally arranged in or adjacent an area of interest. Inan embodiment, beacon 110 may be arranged in or adjacent an animalactivity area. Animal activity areas are areas in which an animal mayperform an activity to be tracked. Non-limiting examples of activitiesto be tracked include approaching a food trough, eating at a foodtrough, leaving a food trough, approaching a water trough, drinking at awater trough, leaving a water trough, approaching a mineral station,consuming a mineral (e.g., salt) at a mineral station, leaving a mineralstation, entering a stall, leaving a stall, entering a milking parlor,leaving a milking parlor, approaching a fence, entering a truck, exitinga truck, entering a chute, leaving a chute, and standing and/or layingin a wind break. In an embodiment, a beacon 110 may be arranged adjacenta food trough, a water trough, a milking parlor, an immunizationstation, a truck, a chute, a wind break, or another area of activity.

When the tag 120 approaches this area of interest, the beacon 110prompts the tag 120 to log the tag's proximity status (e.g., the tag'sproximity to the beacon 110 and hence the corresponding area ofinterest). In an embodiment, the tag 120 periodically increments abeacon counter if the tag 120 determines the tag 120 is located inproximity to the beacon 110. In an embodiment, the tag 120 logs itsproximity status by recording a number of separate visits to the beacon110 (i.e., a number of times the tag 120 has entered and exited a rangeof the beacon 110). In an embodiment, the tag 120 the tag 120 logs itsproximity status by recording dates and times of each visit to thebeacon 110. In an embodiment, the tag 120 the tag 120 logs its proximitystatus by recording the length of time of one or more visits to thebeacon 110. For example, the tag 120 can record the duration of time ofvisits to the beacon 110 that occur between reports to reader 130.

Tag 120 periodically reports its beacon proximity status (e.g., a lengthof time over which each tag 120 was in proximity to a beacon 110, datesand times at which the tag 120 was in proximity to a beacon 110, numberof visits to the beacon 110, etc.) to one or more readers 130. In anembodiment, the beacon 110 may prompt the tag 120 to report itsproximity status to one or more readers 130. In another embodiment, anunsolicited tag 120 also may report to a reader 130. In anotherembodiment, the tag 120 reports to a reader 130 in response to a querybroadcast from the reader 130.

The reader 130 reports the proximity status of the tag 120 to a datastorage manager 140 for analysis and/or storage (e.g., long-termstorage, secure storage, network storage, etc.). In an embodiment, thereader 130 polls for information from one or more surrounding tags 120.For example, the reader 130 may broadcast a query signal within a range135 of the reader 130. In another embodiment, the reader 130 receivesunsolicited status reports from tags 120. The data storage manager 140may store one or more applications that use the proximity statusinformation obtained from the animal tag 120 and reader 130.

In some embodiments, the beacon 110, the animal tag 120, and the reader130 are configured to transmit radio signals. In an embodiment, thecomponents of the animal management system 100 communicate via packetframing. In other embodiments, however, another communications protocolmay be used.

The beacon 110, which is generally stationary, is configured to transmitradio signals A over a predetermined range 115. In an embodiment, two ormore beacons 110 may be arranged over an area of interest to provideoverlapping ranges 115. In an embodiment, two or more beacons 110 may bearranged such that the respective ranges cover substantially the entirearea of interest (e.g., see FIG. 2). In another embodiment, each beacon110 may represent a different area of interest.

Different beacons 110 may be used to identify different areas. In anembodiment, a first beacon may identify a first area of interest and asecond beacon may identify a second area of interest (e.g., see beacons1012, 1014 of FIG. 4). For example, a first beacon 110 may identify afood trough and a second beacon 110 may identify a water trough. Inanother embodiment, a first beacon may indicate a stall in a barn (notshown) and a second beacon may indicate a stall in a milking parlor (notshown). In another embodiment, another beacon 110 may represent a fence,ditch, ravine, stream, or other boundary.

In an embodiment, the radio signals A identify the type of the beacon110 transmitting the radio signals A. For example, the radio signals Aof a beacon 110 may indicate the beacon signifies a food trough, a watertrough, a milking parlor stall, a fence, or any other area of interest.In another embodiment, the radio signals A include a unique beaconidentifier identifying a particular beacon 110. In an embodiment, theradio signals A distinguish the beacon 110 from other adjacent or remotebeacons. In other embodiments, however, the radio signals A may notidentify a particular one or type of beacon 110.

In some embodiments, the beacon 110 transmits the radio signals A atpredetermined intervals. For example, the beacon 110 may transmit theradio signals A every few minutes, seconds, milliseconds, etc. In anembodiment, the beacon 110 may transmit the radio signals A at intervalsranging from about 1 millisecond to about 10 milliseconds. In anembodiment, the beacon 110 may broadcast the radio signals A every 1.2milliseconds. In an embodiment, the beacon 110 may transmit the radiosignals A at intervals ranging from about 10 times per second to about1000 times per second. In an embodiment, the beacon 110 may transmit theradio signals A at a rate of 831 times per second. In an embodiment, thebeacon 110 may transmit the radio signals A at a rate of 2 or more timesper period in which the tag is in its awake mode. In other embodiments,however, the beacon 110 may transmit the radio signals A continuously oraccording to non-regular intervals.

In another embodiment, the beacon 110 may transmit instructions to oneor more animal tags 120. For example, in an embodiment, the beacon 110may transmit instructions from the data manager 140. In an embodiment,the beacon 110 may transmit instructions to a subset of the animal tags.

The animal tag 120, when coupled to an animal, may move in and out ofthe range 115 of the beacon 110 as the respective animal moves around.In the example shown in FIG. 1, a first tag 120 is located within therange 115 of the beacon 110 and a second tag 120′ is located outside therange 115 of the beacon 110.

In general, the animal tag 120 has a dormant mode and an awake mode.When configured into the awake mode, the tag 120 may transmit radiosignals B over a predetermined range 125. When configured into thedormant mode, however, the tag 120 does not transmit radio signals B,thereby conserving power. For example, in an embodiment, the tag 120partially shuts down to decrease power consumption.

In an embodiment, the tag 120 toggles between the dormant and awakemodes at predetermined intervals. In an embodiment, the tag 120 maytoggle into the awake mode after remaining in the dormant mode for apredetermined period of time. For example, the tag 120 may toggle intothe awake mode after remaining in the dormant mode for a period of timeranging from about 1 millisecond to about 1 second. In an embodiment,the tag 120 may toggle into the awake mode after remaining in thedormant mode for about 2 milliseconds.

In another embodiment, the tag 120 may be prompted or triggered totoggle from the dormant mode into the awake mode. For example, the tag120 may toggle into the awake mode when radio signal A is received froma beacon 110 or radio signal C is received from a reader 130. In anembodiment, the tag 120 toggles into the awake mode when a query isreceived from a reader 130. In an embodiment, the tag 120 toggles intothe awake mode after a predetermined interval unless triggered to toggleearlier.

In an embodiment, the tag 120 may include a memory (see memory 200 ofFIG. 7) in which to store information (e.g., data received from thebeacon 110, the reader 130, the data manager 140, or combinationthereof, data generated by the tag, etc.). The memory may includevolatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory) and/or non-volatile memory(e.g., flash memory). Generally, the tag 120 stores and/or accessesinformation when configured in the awake mode.

In an embodiment, the tag 120 may store in memory information about theanimal to which the tag 120 is coupled. For example, the tag 120 maystore information indicating a unique identification number, age, sex,and/or breed of the animal. In another embodiment, the tag 120 may storeinformation on events in the life of the animal (e.g., an eventhistory). For example, in an embodiment, the tag 120 may store a datethe animal was born, a date the animal was obtained (e.g., bought), adate the animal was branded, a date the animal was vaccinated, types ofvaccinations administered, and/or a date castrated.

In another embodiment, the tag 120 may store activity information (e.g.,an activity history). In an embodiment, the tag 120 may store dailyactivity information. For example, in an embodiment, the tag 120 maystore one or more beacon counters (e.g., food beacon, water beacon,fence beacon, etc.), the identity of the last beacon visited, or atimestamp indicating a date and time at which a radio signal A wasreceived from a beacon 110. In an embodiment, the tag 120 may storeinformation obtained from the beacon 110 (e.g., a unique beaconidentification number) and/or from the reader 130 (e.g., a unique readeridentification number). In other embodiments, the tag 120 also may storeother information of interest, such as, operational parameters of thetag (e.g., radio power level, toggle intervals, a software revisionnumber), or other information as appropriate.

At least a portion of the information stored on the tag 120 may betransmitted (e.g., broadcast) via the radio signals B. In an embodiment,the tag 120 transmits the radio signals B when toggled into the awakemode. For example, the tag 120 may transmit radio signals B when exposedto the radio signals C from a reader 130. In another embodiment, the tag120 may transmit the radio signals B at periodic intervals regardless ofwhether radio signals C of a reader 130 have been received. In otherembodiments, the tag 120 may transmit at periodic intervals unless thetag 120 contains insufficient power to transmit a complete cycle of theradio signals B over a minimum distance.

The reader 130 receives the radio signals B transmitted by the tag 120if the reader 130 is located within a range 125 of the tag 120 when thetag 120 is transmitting. In an embodiment, two or more readers 130 maybe located within the range 125 of the tag. In such an embodiment, eachof the readers 130 receives and processes the radio signals B. In theexample shown in FIG. 1, a first reader 130 is located within the range125 of the first tag 120 and a second reader 130′ is located outside therange 125 of the first tag 120. In another embodiment, a first reader130 may be communicatively and/or electrically coupled to one or moreadditional readers 130. For example, a first reader 130 located within arange 125 of a tag 120 may communicate the data received from the tag120 to an additional reader 130′ located outside the range 125 of thetag 120.

In general, the reader 130 also may be toggled between an awake mode anda dormant mode. In the dormant mode, the reader 130 may shut down aradio transmitter or other internal component to draw less power. In theawake mode, the reader 130 may broadcast a query via radio signals C tothe tag 120 requesting a proximity report or other status information.Also in the awake mode, the reader 130 may receive data from one or moreof the animal tags 120 (e.g., via signals B).

In an embodiment, the reader 130 toggles into the awake modeperiodically. In another embodiment, the reader 130 toggles into theawake mode when the reader 130 receives signals B from one or moreanimal tags 120. In another embodiment, the reader 130 toggles into theawake mode when the reader 130 receives instructions from the datamanger 140. For example, the reader 130 may toggle into the awake modewhen the reader 130 receives instructions to broadcast a query or amessage to one or more animal tags 120. In an embodiment, the reader 130toggles into the dormant mode after a predetermined period of timeelapses.

The reader 130 may relay the data obtained from one or more tags 120 tothe data storage manager 140. For example, the reader 130 may provide aunique tag identifier 120 and a beacon counter value obtained from theanimal tag 120 to the data manager 140. In some embodiments, the reader130 transmits the information contained in the radio signals B to thedata storage manager 140 when the reader 130 receives the radio signalsB. In other embodiments, the reader 130 may store the information forsubsequent retrieval by the data storage manager 140 or an intermediaryreader (e.g., see reader 845 of FIG. 3).

In an embodiment, the reader 130 may relay the data when toggled intothe awake mode. In an embodiment, the reader 130 toggles into the awakemode in response to a request from the data manager 140 or a mobilereader. In an embodiment, the reader 130 toggles into the awake modewhen the reader 130 receives the data from the tag 120. In anembodiment, the reader 130 toggles into the awake mode at predeterminedintervals.

In some embodiments, the reader 130 is configured to transmitinformation back to the tag 120 via radio signals C. In suchembodiments, the tags 120 may be configured to listen for a message Cfrom the reader 130 (e.g., remain in the awake mode) before toggling tothe dormant mode. In an embodiment, the reader 130 may relaycommunication from the data manager 140 to one or more animal tags 120.For example, the reader 130 may be configured to send new operatingparameters (e.g., transmission intervals, toggle intervals, transmissionpower levels, etc.) to the tag 120. In an embodiment, the reader 130 maybe configured to relay communication to a subset of the animal tags 120.

For example, in an embodiment, the reader 130 may store one or moremessages from the data manager 140 for transmission to a recipient tag120 when the recipient tag 120 checks in with the reader 130. In anotherembodiment, the reader 130 may broadcast one or more messages addressedto a recipient tag 120 until the recipient tag 120 indicates receipt. Inanother embodiment, the reader 130 may broadcast instructions to beapplied universally to all animal tags. For example, in an embodiment,the reader 130 may broadcast instructions to extend or shorten a toggle(i.e., or wake up) interval for all tags (e.g., prior to or aftershipping or storage).

In an embodiment, the reader 130 is configured to communicate with thedata manager 140 or a mobile reader over a network, such as a LAN, aWAN, or the Internet. In another embodiment, the reader 130 isconfigured to communicate with the data manager 140 directly through acabled or wireless connection. In another embodiment, the reader 130communicates with an intermediary component, which communicates with thedata manager 140. In other embodiments, however, the reader 130 maycommunicate with the data manager 140 using any desired communicationscoupling.

Proximity Sensing

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an animal management system 400for tracking animals (e.g., livestock) over an area (e.g., a feed lot, abarn, a pen, a pasture, a chute, a milking parlor, or other locationwhere tagged animals may be kept). For example, the animal managementsystem 400 may facilitate monitoring locations which an animalfrequents, times spent at locations or activities, or other animals withwhich an animal interacts. The animal management system 400 also mayfacilitate obtaining, analyzing, and/or storing information about one ormore of the animals being tracked.

The animal system 400 includes one or more beacons 410, one or moreanimal tags 420, and one or more readers 430. The animal managementsystem 400 includes a plurality of beacons 410, such as beacons 2000 ofFIG. 5. The beacons 420 may be arranged about a trough 405 or anotherlocation of interest. In general, each beacon 410 periodically orcontinuously broadcasts a message over a range. In an embodiment, eachbeacon 410 broadcast over a generally circular or cylindrical area (seeranges 411, 413, 415 of FIG. 2). In another embodiment, the range of oneor more beacons 410 may be directed or oriented as appropriate.

In an embodiment, a sufficient number of beacons 410 may be arrangedabout the trough 405 so that the range of each beacon 410 may overlapwith adjacent beacons 410 to provide coverage over the entire trough405. In an embodiment, the beacons 410 are separated by a distance equalto about twice the radius of the range. In another embodiment, thebeacons 410 may be located further away or closer together. The messagebroadcast by the beacons 410 generally indicates the recipient islocated in proximity of the trough 405.

An animal tag (e.g., an ear tag, an implantable tag, etc.) 420, such asanimal tag 900 of FIG. 6, is coupled to each animal to be tracked. In anembodiment, each tag 420 keeps track of from which type of beacons 410the tag 420 receives radio signals. In an embodiment, each tag 420tracks the length of time the tag 420 is located in proximity to aparticular type beacon 410 (e.g., the time over which the animalreceives the radio signals from that type of beacon) and hence the timethe tag 420 is located within the area of interest. In anotherembodiment, each tag 420 tracks a length of time the tag 420 is locatedin proximity to a particular beacon 410. In an embodiment, each tag 420tracks the number of times the tag 420 visits a beacon. The tags 420report the tracked information to one or more of the readers 430 thatare arranged throughout the area. The readers 430 forward theinformation to a data storage device 440, such as a computer database orother storage medium.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, a first animal 402 is equipped with afirst tag 422, a second animal 404 is equipped with a second tag 424,and a third animal 406 is equipped with a third tag 426. Each tag 422,424, 426 tracks the proximity of its respective animal to one of threebeacons 412, 414, 416. In other embodiments, greater or fewer animalsmay be tracked at greater or fewer beacons. In FIG. 2, three readers432, 434, 436 are arranged to communicate with the tags 422, 424, 426and the data manager 440. In other embodiments, greater or fewer readers430 and/or data managers 440 may be installed.

In an embodiment, all of the beacons 412, 414, 416 represent the samelocation of interest (e.g., trough) 405. In another embodiment, however,each beacon 412, 414, 416 may represent a different location ofinterest. For example, the first beacon 412 may represent a firstportion of a trough 405 at which a first type of food is kept, thesecond beacon 414 may represent a second portion of a trough 405 atwhich a second type of food is kept, and the third beacon 416 mayrepresent a third portion of the trough 405 at which a third type offood is kept.

The principles of the disclosure can be further understood by walkingthrough an example application. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram ofan animal management system 800 for tracking animals over an area. Theanimal management system includes beacons 810 arranged on a trough 805,animal tags (not shown) coupled to mobile animals, and readers 830arranged throughout the area. For ease in viewing, the animals to betracked and the animal tags are not shown.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the beacons 810 are powered by a powersource 850. In an embodiment, the power source 850 includes a solarcell. In another embodiment, the power source 850 may include a battery.In another embodiment, the power source 850 may include a generator (notshown). In another embodiment, each beacon 810 may obtain power from apersonal power source (not shown). In other embodiments, however, anysuitable power source may be utilized to energize the beacons 810.

In an embodiment, one or more of the beacons 810 are coupled to thepower source 850 via a wire or cable 855. For example, the beacons 810may be coupled to the power source 850 via a cable 855 including a livewire and a grounding wire. In another embodiment, a greater number ofwires may be provided. In an embodiment, a first subset of the beacons810 are coupled to the power source 850 and a second subset of thebeacons 810 are coupled to another power source (not shown). In anotherembodiment, the beacons 810 are wirelessly coupled to the power source850. In an embodiment, the beacons 810 are connected in series. Inanother embodiment, the beacons 810 are connected in parallel.

In some embodiments, the beacons 810 are configured to radiate radiosignals in a predetermined direction. In such embodiments, the beacons810 may be oriented such that the beacons 810 broadcast signals onlywithin a specified range. For example, the beacons 810 may be orientedto broadcast signals only within an area substantially contained withinthe perimeter of the trough 805 or other area of interest. In otherembodiments, shields (not shown) may be provided around the trough 805to facilitate shaping the broadcast range of the beacons 810.

In other embodiments, multiple beacons 810 may be arranged at spacedintervals along the trough 805 or other area of interest. In anembodiment, a range of about two to about twenty beacons 810 may bearranged along the wire or cable 855. In an embodiment, a range of abouteight to about ten beacons 810 may be arranged along the wire or cable855.

In an embodiment, the beacons 810 are arranged so that the broadcastranges of the beacons 810 touch or overlap to provide coverage oversubstantially the entire area of interest. In an embodiment, thebroadcast ranges of the beacons 810 may be shortened to provide one ormore small ranges by loading the beacons 810 with resistors. Forexample, resistors may be added to each beacon 810 (e.g., see theadjustor 2013 of beacon 2000 of FIG. 5).

In an embodiment, the beacons 810 are spaced at regular intervals alongthe trough 805 or other area of interest. For example, in an embodiment,the beacons 810 may be spaced at intervals of twice the broadcast radiusof the beacons 810. In an embodiment, the beacons 810 may be spaced atintervals of less than twice the broadcast radius of the beacons 810. Inan embodiment, the beacons 810 may be spaced at intervals ranging fromabout two feet to about fifty feet. In an embodiment, the beacons 810may be spaced at intervals of about twenty feet. In an embodiment, thebeacons 810 may be spaced at intervals of about ten feet.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, eight beacons 811-818 are spaced evenlyalong a wire 855 that is wrapped around a perimeter of the trough 805.In other embodiments, greater or fewer beacons 810 may be arranged onthe trough 805. The wire 855 connects the beacons 811-818 to the powersource 850. The beacons 811-818 of FIG. 3 are positioned to generatebroadcast fields extending outwardly a short distance from the perimeterof the trough 805. In other embodiments, however, the beacons 810 may bepositioned to generate broadcast fields entirely contained within theperimeter of the trough 805.

In an embodiment, the readers 830 obtain power from the same powersource 850 as the beacons 810. In another embodiment, the readers 830obtain power from a separate power source (not shown). In an embodiment,the power source (not shown) is a solar cell. In other embodiments, eachreader 830 obtains power from its own personal power source.

In some embodiments, the readers 830 are communicatively coupled to adata manager (not shown) via a cable (e.g., USB connection) or wirelessconnection. In other embodiments, however, an intermediary reader 845relays communication between the readers 830 and the data manager 840.In an embodiment, the intermediary reader 845 is mobile. For example,the intermediary reader 845 may circulate amongst the readers 830 andask for updates. The intermediary reader 845 may store these updatesfrom the readers 830 for subsequent communication to the data manager840.

The intermediary reader 845 may be a notebook computer, a handheldcomputing device (e.g., a mobile smartphone), or another data processingdevice capable of moving about the area being monitored andcommunicating with the readers 830. In an embodiment, the intermediaryreader 845 may be coupled to a truck, tractor, or other vehicle that isdriven through the area to be monitored regularly. In anotherembodiment, the intermediary reader 845 is coupled to a track alongwhich the intermediary reader 845 may be circulated at periodicintervals.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another example animal managementsystem 1000 for monitoring tagged animals within a feed lot or othersuch area. The management system 1000 includes a food and a water beacon1012, 1014, respectively, arranged within a feed lot 1001 in whichtagged cows 1025 are contained. The tags (not shown) on the animals 1025track the amount of time spent within range of each beacon 1012, 1014.

The animal management system 1000 also includes one or more fixedreaders 1030 adjacent the feed lot 1001, a data manager 1040, a datastorage device 1050, and one or more mobile readers 1045. The fixedreader 1030 periodically polls for status updates from nearby tags andstores the updates. The mobile reader 1045 periodically enterscommunication range with the fixed reader 1030 and acquires the tagupdates. The mobile reader 1045 provides the reports to the data manager(e.g., a laptop computer or other computing device) for processing andstorage in the data storage device 1050.

Components Beacon

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an example beacon 2000 that maybe utilized with any animal management system disclosed herein. Thebeacon 2000 includes a radio transceiver 2014, a microcontroller 2016,and an antenna 2018. In an embodiment, the beacon 2000 also includes aclock 2019 (e.g., a crystal) with which the microcontroller 2016 maytime periodic intervals at which radio signals, such as radio signals Aof FIG. 1, are to be broadcast from the antenna 2018. In an embodiment,the antenna 2018 includes a directional antenna. In another embodiment,the antenna 2018 may include any suitable antenna. In an embodiment, themicrocontroller 2016 contains memory 2015 storing information to bebroadcast on the radio signals.

In an embodiment, the beacon 2000 may receive information from a datamanager (e.g., data manager 140 of FIG. 1) to be distributed to one ormore animal tags, such as animal tags 120 of FIG. 1. Advantageously,broadcasting information to animal tags via the beacon 2000 may allowquick distribution of the information. In an embodiment, broadcastingthe information via one or more beacons 2000 provides the information tothe tags without waiting for individual tags to check in. For example,the beacon 2000 may distribute instructions to the tags to spend lesstime in the dormant mode per toggle cycle.

In some embodiments, the beacon 2000 receives power from an externalpower source 2011. In an embodiment, the beacon 2000 receives power fromthe external power source 2011 at a power input 2012, which supplies thepower to the remaining beacon components. In an embodiment, the externalpower source 2011 is a battery. In another embodiment, the externalpower source 2011 is a solar cell. In another embodiment, the externalpower source is a generator. In other embodiments, the beacon 2000includes an internal power source (not shown), such as a battery, asolar cell, or other such component.

In an embodiment, the beacon 2000 includes an adjustor component 2013 toamplify or decrease power before distributing the power within thebeacon 2000. For example, the adjustor component 2013 may include aresistor to load down the beacon 2000, thereby decreasing the range ofthe beacon 2000. Advantageously, decreasing the range of the beacon 2000may aid in controlling the size and/or shape of the range of the beacon2000. In another embodiment, the adjustor component 2013 may facilitatepower gain, thereby amplifying the range of the beacon 2000.Advantageously, amplifying the range of the beacon 2000 may facilitatecommunication with a reader and/or a data manager.

In an embodiment, the components of the beacon 2000 are arranged on acircuit board 2010 or other support structure. In some embodiments, thebeacon components are sealed within an outer housing 2005. In anembodiment, the outer housing 2005 protects the beacon components fromenvironmental conditions, such as precipitation, dust, dirt, wind, sunexposure, and animals (e.g., animals being tracked, rodents, insects,and/or other pests). In an embodiment, the outer housing 2005 may bemolded (e.g., injection-molded) over the beacon components. In otherembodiments, the housing 2005 only contains the beacon components, butdoes not protect the components from environmental conditions.

Tag

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an example animal tag 900 thatmay be utilized in any animal management system disclosed herein. Theanimal tag 900 includes a housing 910 containing a radio transceiver912, an antenna 914, and a battery 916. In general, the transceiverobtains power from the battery 916 to broadcast a radio signal throughthe antenna 914. An example of a suitable radio transceiver includes thenRF24L01 Single Chip 2.4 GHz Transceiver from Nordic Semiconductor ofTrondheim, Norway. In an embodiment, the antenna 914 includes aninverted-L antenna. In other embodiments, however, any suitable antenna914 may be used to broadcast the radio signals.

The housing 910 also may contain a clock 918 and a microcontroller 920including memory 922. The memory 922 of the microcontroller 920 maystore operating instructions, operating parameters, and data. The memory922 may include volatile (e.g., RAM) and non-volatile (e.g., flash)memory. For example, in an embodiment, the memory 922 may store a uniqueidentifier for each tag, an activity history (e.g., a beacon counter).In another embodiment, the memory 922 stores an operating parameterindicating a toggle interval for the animal tag 900 based on a number ofclock cycles 918. An example of a suitable clock 918 includes a 16 MHzcrystal.

In an embodiment, the microcontroller 920 implements a data processingsystem that receives data from beacons and/or readers, analyzes thedata, stores the data in the memory 922, and transmits reply data asappropriate. In an embodiment, the data processing system is hardwiredwithin the microcontroller 920. In another embodiment, the dataprocessing system is implemented via software installed on themicrocontroller 920. In an embodiment, the microcontroller 920 also mayinclude matching circuitry to tune the antenna 914.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a memory storage 200 of an animaltag, such as animal tag 120 of FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the memorystorage 200 of the tag can store a unique identifier 210 with which thetag 120 may identify itself to the reader 130 or any other device. Thememory 200 also can include operating parameters 220, such as atransmission power level or a toggle interval according to which the tag120 cycles between the dormant and awake modes. Other non-limitingexamples of operating parameters include a threshold power levelrequired before radio signals B will be transmitted, a transmissionrate, and the frequency at which radio signals B should be transmitted.

The memory storage 200 also generally includes an activity log 250. Inan embodiment, the activity log 250 records events occurring throughouta predetermined period of time (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). Inan embodiment, the activity log 250 records events occurring throughouteach day. In an embodiment, the activity log 250 tracks which locationsare visited and/or in which activities an animal engages over thepredetermined period of time. In an embodiment, the activity log 250tracks a length of time spent at each location and/or engaged in eachactivity over the predetermined period of time. In an embodiment, theactivity log 250 tracks a number of visits to a location or number oftimes in which the animal engages in the activity.

In an embodiment, the activity log 250 includes a beacon counter. In anembodiment, the activity log 250 includes two or more beacon counters.In an embodiment, the beacon counter tracks the length of time the tag120 remains in proximity to a beacon, such as beacon 110 of FIG. 1. Inan embodiment, the beacon counter tracks the number of times the tag 120enters into proximity of the beacon. In other embodiments, the activitylog 250 may include one or more beacon counters. In an embodiment, theactivity log 250 may include different types of beacon counters.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the activity log 250 includes a firstcounter 230 and a second counter 240. In an embodiment, the firstcounter 230 is a food counter and the second counter 240 is a watercounter. In an embodiment, the food and water counters 230, 240 trackthe length of time the tag 120 remains in proximity to a first beacon ata food trough and a second beacon at a water trough, respectively, aswill be disclosed in greater detail herein. In an embodiment, the foodand water counters 230, 240 track the number of times the tag 120 entersinto proximity of the food beacon and the water beacon, respectively. Inother embodiments, the activity log 250 may include other types ofbeacon counters.

In still other embodiments, the memory storage 200 also may store otherinformation indicating one or more activities of the tag 120, such asreceiving radio signals from a beacon 110, receiving radio signals froma reader 130, and/or transmitting radio signals.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram indicating an example format 300 fora message transmitted via one of the radio signals A, B, C by a beacon110, a tag 120, or a reader 130, respectively. The message format 300may be used to communicate between any of the components of any animalmanagement system disclosed herein. The message format 300 shown in FIG.8 includes an address field 310, at least a first data field 320, and achecksum field 330. In other embodiments, the message format 300 mayinclude additional fields.

In general, the address field 310 indicates the type of device sendingthe radio signal. For example, the address field 310 may indicatewhether the message is provided by a beacon 110, a tag 120, or a reader130 (FIG. 1). Different types of devices may provide messages overdifferent radio frequencies. Accordingly, the address field 310 mayindicate over which radio frequency a response should be sent. In anembodiment, the address field 310 may indicate a unique identity of thedevice sending the radio signal (e.g., a unique animal tag 120, a uniquebeacon 110, or a unique reader 130).

The data field 320 may contain information to be transmitted from thesending device to the receiving device. For example, the data field 320of a message transmitted from a beacon 110 may contain informationindicating the type or location of beacon 110 sending the message. Thedata field 320 of a message transmitted by a tag 120 may include anactivity history (e.g., a beacon counter). The data field 320 of amessage transmitted by a reader 130 may include information indicatingan intended recipient tag 120 and a change in operating parameters(e.g., transmission intervals).

In some embodiments, the data field 320 includes a plurality of datafields. In an embodiment, the data field 320 includes a Wake Up Intervalfield, which may specify the duration of the dormant mode of therecipient device, a Radio Power Level field, which may specify thetransmission power of the recipient device, and a Control Register,which may include any value the sending device wants to receive from therecipient device. In another embodiment, the data field 320 may includeinformation to be stored at the recipient device. For example,non-limiting embodiments of the data field 320 may include a descriptionof a tagged animal, an activity history, and/or an event history.

The checksum 330 provides a redundancy check to enable the recipient todetermine whether the message is corrupted or incomplete. In addition,start and end codes (not shown) may be added to the message to indicatea beginning and end of the message.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow of an examplemonitoring process 500 by which an animal tag, such as animal tags 422,424, 426, may track the length of time spent in proximity to a trough,such as trough 405 of FIG. 2. The monitoring process 500 initializes andbegins at a start module 502 and proceeds to a wake operation 504. Thewake operation 504 toggles the animal tag from a dormant mode to anawake mode.

A determination module 506 listens for a predetermined period of timefor radio signals from a beacon. If the determination module 506determines the animal tag receives radio signals from a beacon duringthe predetermined time, then a track operation 508 increments a counterstored on the animal tag. In an embodiment, the animal tag storesdifferent types of counters for different types of beacons (e.g., foodcounters for beacons on food troughs and water counters for beacons onwater troughs). If the determination module 506 determines the animaltag does not receive radio signals from a beacon during thepredetermined time, then the monitoring process 500 proceeds to aretrieve operation 510.

The retrieve operation 510 accesses the memory of the animal tag andobtains information to be transmitted to any reader that may be inrange. In an embodiment, the retrieve operation 510 accesses a uniqueidentification of the animal tag and the counter. A transmit operation512 broadcasts the retrieved information. In an embodiment, the transmitoperation 512 broadcasts the unique identification number of the tag andthe value of the counter.

A listen operation 514 analyzes all radio signals received for apredetermined period of time after performance of the transmit operation512 to determine whether any of the signals contain a message for theanimal tag. For example, the listen operation 514 may analyze thesignals to determine whether the signals are addressed to the animaltag. In an embodiment, the listen operation 514 checks a data field,such as data field 320, of each message for a unique tag identifier. Inan embodiment, the listen operation 514 analyzes all incoming messagesfor a period of about 2-3 milliseconds.

The readers generally relay to the animal tags messages from the datamanager. For example, the readers may relay messages instructing a tagto change one or more of the operating parameters of the tag. In anembodiment, the listen operation 514 may receive a message instructingthe tag to remain in the dormant mode for an extended period of time(e.g., during shipping and/or storage). In another embodiment, thelisten operation 514 may receive a message instructing the tag to reseta counter when the counter information has been received at a datastorage device.

A sleep operation 516 toggles the animal tag to the dormant mode toconserve power. The monitoring process 500 completes and ends at a stopmodule 518. In an embodiment, the monitoring process 500 initiates whenthe animal tag receives a query from a reader. For example, the firstanimal tag 422 of FIG. 2 may wake up (504) when the reader R1 432queries the first animal tag 422. The first animal tag 422 determines itis located in proximity to a beacon (506), increments a counter (508),accesses its memory (510), and broadcasts data (e.g., the values of thecounter and a unique identifier) obtained from memory (512) to bereceived by any reader within range.

In another embodiment, the monitoring process 500 occurs at periodictime intervals, regardless of the location of the animal tag. Forexample, the third animal tag 426 of FIG. 2 wakes up (504) after apredetermined interval, determines it is not located in proximity to abeacon (506), accesses its memory (510), and broadcasts any data (e.g.,a counter value) obtained from memory (512). In the example shown inFIG. 2, the animal tag 426 is located within range of both the secondand third readers 434, 436, which each receive the radio signals B2 sentfrom the third animal tag 426.

Reader

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an example reader 2100 that maybe utilized with any animal management system disclosed herein. Thereader 2100 includes a first radio transceiver 2114, a microcontroller2116, and an antenna 2118. In an embodiment, the antenna 2118 includes adirectional antenna. In another embodiment, the antenna 2118 may includeany suitable antenna. In an embodiment, the microcontroller 2116contains memory 2117 storing information to be broadcast via radiosignal, such as radio signals C of FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the reader2100 also includes a clock 2119 (e.g., a crystal) with which themicrocontroller 2116 may time periodic intervals.

In some embodiments, the reader 2100 tracks animal tags and communicateswith the data manager or mobile reader using the first radio transceiver2114. In an embodiment, the reader 2100 cycles between tracking tags andcommunicating with the data manager or mobile reader using the firstradio transceiver. In another embodiment, communicating with the datamanager or mobile reader receives priority and the reader 2100 onlytracks animal tags with the first radio transceiver 2114 when nocommunication is being received from the data manager.

In other embodiments, however, the reader 2100 includes two or moreradio transceivers. For example, the reader 2100 shown in FIG. 10includes a second radio transceiver 2115. In an embodiment, the firstradio transceiver 2114 communicates with animal tags (e.g., receivesreports and distributes messages) and the second radio transceiver 2115communicates with the data manager (e.g., forwards reports and receivesmessages). In an embodiment, the first radio transceiver 2114 isconfigured to broadcast radio signals on a first frequency and thesecond radio transceiver 2115 is configured to broadcast radio signalson a second frequency. In an embodiment, the first radio transceiver2114 broadcasts on a higher frequency than the second radio transceiver2115.

In some embodiments, the reader 2100 includes an internal power source2113. In an embodiment, the internal power source 2113 includes abattery 2112. In an embodiment, the internal power source 2113 includesa solar cell 2111 or generator. In an embodiment, the internal powersource 2113 includes a combination of a battery 2112, a solar cell 2111,and/or another power source. In other embodiments, however, the reader2100 is coupled to an external power source (not shown). In anembodiment, the reader 2100 may share a power source with one or morereaders. In another embodiment, the reader 2100 may share a power sourcewith one or more beacons.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for a generalmanagement process 600 by which a reader tracks and manages radiosignals from one or more animal tags. The management process 600initializes and begins at a start module 602 and proceeds to a trackoperation 604. The track operation 604 receives radio signals from anyanimal tag that reports to the reader when located within the range ofthe reader. For example, in an embodiment, the track operation 604 mayreceive identity information and proximity information from the animaltag. In another embodiment, the track operation 604 may receive anactivity history from the animal tag. In another embodiment, the trackoperation 604 may receive other information stored on the animal tag,such as a medical history, an event history, ownership information, etc.

A forward operation 606 sends to a data manager or mobile reader theinformation received from the animal tag in track operation 604. In anembodiment, the forward operation 606 sends the information in realtime. In another embodiment, the forward operation 606 queues theinformation obtained from the animal tags and transmits the informationat a later time. In an embodiment, the forward operation 606 transmitsthe information to the data manager or mobile reader at periodicintervals (every week, every day, every hour, every minute, etc.). Inanother embodiment, the forward operation 606 transmits the informationto the data manager or mobile reader when a request to transmit isreceived from the data manager or mobile reader. In an embodiment, theforward operation 606 only sends the information if sufficient power isavailable to send the data completely.

An obtain operation 608 receives from the data manager or mobile readerany messages to be communicated to one or more animal tags. In anembodiment, the obtain operation 608 receives a message in response toforwarding information to the data manager or mobile reader. In anotherembodiment, the obtain operation 608 receives an unsolicited message. Inan embodiment, the obtain operation 608 stores the message at the readerfor distribution at a later time. In an embodiment, the obtain operation608 queues the message obtained from the data manager or mobile reader.In an embodiment, the obtain operation 608 receives a message to bedistributed to a specific recipient tag. In another embodiment, theobtain operation 608 receives a message to be distributed to a subset ofthe animal tags. In another embodiment, the obtain operation 608receives a message to be distributed to all of the animal tags.

In some embodiments, the obtain operation 608 receives a message tochange an operational parameter of the tag. For example, in anembodiment, the obtain operation 608 may receive a message for arecipient animal tag to increase or decrease a transmission power level.In another embodiment, the obtain operation 608 may receive a messagefor the recipient tag to delete all or part of the information stored inthe tag's memory. In another embodiment, the obtain operation 608 mayreceive a message for the recipient tag to store additional informationin the tag's memory.

A distribute operation 610 forwards to recipient tags any messagesobtained from the data manager or mobile reader. In an embodiment, thedistribute operation 610 forward messages as the messages are received.In another embodiment, the distribute operation 610 forwards a messageintended for a recipient tag when the recipient tag reports to thereader. In another embodiment, the distribute operation 610 periodicallyforwards a message intended for a recipient tag. In an embodiment, thedistribute operation 610 forwards the message until the recipient tagreplies with receipt confirmation. In an embodiment, the distributeoperation 610 only forwards the information if sufficient power isavailable to send a complete message. The management process completesand ends at stop module 612.

In an embodiment, the management process 600 may be implemented by afirst radio transceiver of a reader, such as radio transceiver 2114 ofreader 2100 of FIG. 10. In another embodiment, however, the managementprocess 600 may be implemented by a first radio transceiver and a secondradio transceiver of a reader, such as the first radio transceiver 2114and the second radio transceiver 2115 of reader 2100 of FIG. 10. In anembodiment, the first radio transceiver 2114 implements the operationsin which the reader communicates with an animal tag (e.g., the trackoperation 604 and the distribute operation 610 of FIG. 11) and thesecond radio transceiver 2115 implements the operations in which thereader communicates with the data manager (e.g., the forward operation606 and the obtain operation 608 of FIG. 11).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for a firstmanagement process 1800 implemented by a first radio transceiver of areader. The first management process 1800 initializes and begins at astart module 1802 and proceeds to a wake operation 1804, which togglesthe reader into an awake mode. In an embodiment, the wake operation 1804occurs periodically. In an embodiment, the wake operation 1804 occurswhen information is received from one or more of the animal tags. Inanother embodiment, the wake operation 1804 is not triggered by receiptof radio signals from an animal tag.

A query operation 1806 broadcasts radio signals from the reader over apredetermined range (see range 135 of reader 130 of FIG. 1). In anembodiment, the query operation 1806 broadcasts radio signals asking forstatus and/or proximity reports of nearby tags (e.g., tags within rangeof the reader). In another embodiment, the query operation 1806broadcasts a radio signal directed to one or more individual tags 120 toask for a status and/or proximity report.

A first determination module 1808 determines whether any response to thequery (e.g., a status or proximity report from a tag) was received. Ifthe first determination module 1808 determines a response was notreceived, then the first management process 1800 proceeds to a sleepoperation 1816 that toggles the reader into a dormant mode. The firstmanagement process 1800 completes and ends at a stop module 1818. If thefirst determination module 1808 determines a response was received,however, then a store operation 1810 records the information in memoryfor later transmission to a data storage manager, such as data manager440 of FIG. 2.

A second determination module 1812 determines whether instructions havebeen provided to the reader (e.g., from the data manager) to relay ordistribute a message to one or more of the animal tags. For example, thesecond determination module 1812 may determine whether instructions havebeen provided to the reader to broadcast a message addressed to ananimal tag that responded to a query. In an embodiment, the seconddetermination module 1812 determines whether a message has been queuedfor distribution. If the second determination module 1812 determinesinstructions to relay a message have not been received by the reader,then the first management process 1800 proceeds to the sleep operation1816, completes, and ends at the stop module 1818 as disclosed above.

If the second determination module 1812 determines instructions to relaya message have been received by the reader, however, then a sendoperation 1814 broadcasts the message within the range of the reader. Inan embodiment, the send operation 1814 broadcasts a message including aunique identifier of a recipient tag. In some embodiments, the sendoperation 1814 is performed by multiple readers. In an embodiment, thesend operation 1814 is performed by readers that did not receive thequery response from the tag. For example, the send operation 1814 may beperformed by readers located adjacent to the readers that received theresponse. The first management process 1800 proceeds to the sleepoperation 1816 before ending at the stop module 1818 as disclosed above.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for a secondmanagement process 1900 implemented by a second radio transceiver of areader. The second management process 1900 initializes and begins at astart module 1902 and proceeds to a wake operation 1904, which togglesthe reader into an awake mode. In an embodiment, the wake operation 1904occurs periodically. In another embodiment, the wake operation 1904occurs when information is received from the data manager, a proxy ofthe data manager, a mobile reader, or one or more of the readers.

A first determination module 1906 determines whether to forwardinformation obtained from an animal tag to the data manager. In anembodiment, the first determination module 1906 determines whether thedata manager is within range of the reader. In another embodiment, thefirst determination module 1906 determines whether a proxy of the datamanager (e.g., a mobile reader) is within range of the reader. In anembodiment, the first determination module 1906 determines whether radiosignals have been received from the data manager or a mobile reader.

If the first determination module 1906 determines not to forwardinformation to the data manager, then the second management process 1900proceeds to a sleep operation 1920 that toggles the reader into adormant mode. The first management process 1900 completes and ends at astop module 1922. If the first determination module 1906 determines toforward information to the data manager, however, then a forwardoperation 1908 transmits the information to the data manager.

In an embodiment, the forward operation 1908 is implemented if the firstdetermination module 1906 determines the data manager or mobile readeris within range of the reader. In another embodiment, the forwardoperation 1908 is implemented only if a request for information isreceived from the data manager, a proxy thereof, or a mobile reader. Forexample, another determination module (not shown) may determine whetherinstructions to transmit stored tag information have been provided bythe data manager. If such instructions were not received, then thesecond management process 1900 would skip the forward operation 1908 andproceed to a listen operation 1910.

The listen operation 1910 retains the reader in the awake mode for apredetermined period of time to enable receipt and processing ofincoming radio signals from the data manager, a proxy thereof, or amobile reader. In an embodiment, the listen operation 1910 retains thereader in the awake mode for approximately 1 millisecond toapproximately 10 milliseconds. In an embodiment, the listen operation1910 retains the reader in the awake mode for approximately 3milliseconds. In other embodiments, the listen operation 1910 may retainthe reader in the awake mode for a greater or lesser amount of time.

A second determination module 1912 determines whether a message isreceived from the data manager during the listen operation 1910. If thesecond determination module 1912 determines a message is not receivedduring the listen operation 1910, then the second management process1900 proceeds to the sleep operation 1920, completes, and ends at thestop module 1922. If the second determination module 1912 determines amessage is received during the listen operation 1910, however, then athird determination module 1914 determines whether the message isaddressed to the reader or to an animal tag.

If the third determination module 1914 determines the message isaddressed to the reader, then an implement operation 1916 executes anyinstructions contained in the message. In an embodiment, the implementoperation 1916 changes an operational parameter of the reader (e.g., atransmission power level, a transmission frequency, the length of timeover which the listen operation 1910 is implemented, etc.). In anembodiment, the implement operation 1916 stores information and/orerases information from memory in accordance with the message. Thesecond management process 1900 proceeds to the sleep operation 1920,completes, and ends at the stop module 1922.

If the third determination module 1914 determines the message isaddressed to an animal tag, however, then a distribute operation 1918prepares the message for distribution to the animal tag. In anembodiment, the distribute operation 1918 broadcasts the message. In anembodiment, the distribute operation 1918 stores the message in memoryfor subsequent distribution to the animal tag. The second managementprocess 1900 proceeds to the sleep operation 1920, completes, and endsat the stop module 1922.

Data Manager

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of an example data manager 2200that may be utilized with any animal management system disclosed herein.The data manager 2200 includes a processor 2210 and a memory 2220communicatively coupled by a system bus 2207 or other suitableconnection. In an embodiment, the memory 2220 of the data manager 2200may store tag data 2222. In another embodiment, the memory 2220 of thedata manager 2200 may store applications (e.g., software programs) 2224configured to process the tag data 2222 with the processor 2210.

In an embodiment, the data manager 2200 includes a communications module2230 by which the data manager may communicate with a reader (e.g., afixed reader or a mobile reader). For example, in an embodiment, thecommunications module 2230 includes a cable port (e.g., a USB port) forreceiving and sending electrical and/or optical signals, a transceiverfor receiving and sending wireless signals, or another suitable type ofcommunications equipment. In an embodiment, the communications module2230 communicatively couples directly to the reader (e.g., a fixedreader or a mobile reader). In another embodiment, the communicationsmodule 2230 connects to a network, such as a WAN, a LAN, an intranet, orthe Internet.

In an embodiment, the data manager 2200 includes a data output 2240. Forexample, the data manager 2200 may include a display screen, a speaker,a printer, or another output device by which the data manager 2200 maypresent data to a user. In an embodiment, the data manager 2200 includesa data input 2250. For example, the data manager 2200 may include akeyboard, mouse, camera, microphone, track ball, jog wheel, tablet,light pen, scanner, or other suitable input device by which a user mayenter data into and/or manipulate data within the data manager 2200.

In an embodiment, the data manager 2200 includes a power input 2260. Inan embodiment, the power input 2260 includes a port through which powermay be transferred from an external power source (not shown). Forexample, the power input 2260 may be configured to accept a power cord(e.g., a USB plug, an SB plug, etc.). In another embodiment, the powerinput 2260 may include an internal power source (e.g., a battery) whichmay supply power to the data manager 2200.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for a storeprocess 700 by which a data storage manager, such as data manager 440 ofFIG. 2, may manage data received from the animal tags, such as animaltags 422, 424, 426 of FIG. 2, via the readers, such as readers 432, 434,436 of FIG. 2. The store process initializes and begins at a startmodule 702 and proceeds to a receive operation 704. The receiveoperation obtains data from one or more readers.

A first determination module 706 accesses the stored data and determineswhether the data received from the readers is already known (i.e.,duplicative). If the first determination module 706 determines the datareceived from the readers is not duplicative, then a store operation 708adds the received data to storage. For example, the store operation 708may add the received data to a storage database. If the determinationmodule 706 determines the data received from the readers is duplicative,however, then the store process 700 may proceed directly to a seconddetermination module 710.

The second determination module 710 determines whether a reply (e.g.,instructions to reset one or more counters, instructions to reset one ormore readers, new operating parameters, and/or additional information tostore on the tag) should be sent to the reporting tag or the reportingreader. If the second determination module 710 determines a reply shouldnot be sent, then the store process 700 completes and ends at a stopmodule 714. If the second determination module 710 determines a replyshould be sent, however, then an instruct operation 712 may provide thereply to the reader for forwarding to the tags before the storeoperation 700 completes and ends at the stop module 714.

The data manager may implement one or more management applications toprovide information of interest to one or more parties. For example, inan embodiment, the data manager performs the monitoring process 1100disclosed herein with respect to FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an examplemonitoring process 1100 by which the data manager 1040 may mine the tagupdate data. The monitoring process 1100 initializes and begins at astart module 1102 and proceeds to a receive operation 1104. The receiveoperation 1104 acquires tag update data. In an embodiment, the receiveoperation 1104 obtains the tag update data from a mobile reader, such asmobile reader 1045 of FIG. 4.

In an embodiment, the receive operation 1104 receives tag update dataincluding a value of a beacon counter. In an embodiment, the receiveoperation 1104 receives tag update data including the number of timesthe tag visited the beacon. In an embodiment, the receive operation 1104receives tag update data indicating which beacons were visited by theanimal tag within a predetermined period of time. In an embodiment, thereceive operation 1104 receives tag update data including a timestampindicating a date and/or time at which the animal tag came within rangeof a beacon.

An analyze operation 1106 reviews and processes the received tag updatedata. In an embodiment, the analyze operation 1106 determines whetherany of the animals are displaying abnormal behavior. For example, in anembodiment, the analyze operation 1106 may determine whether any of theanimals have not eaten or drunk within a predetermined period of time.In an embodiment, the analyze operation 1106 may determine whether anyof the animals have eaten or drank too often within a predeterminedperiod of time. In another embodiment, the analyze operation 1106 mayidentify trends of abnormal behavior (e.g., increase or decline ineating or drinking habits). In another embodiment, the analyze operation1106 may determine whether any animals are missing (e.g., tag out ofrange) or whether any unexpected animals are present (e.g., unknown orunexpected tag in range).

In another embodiment, the analyze operation 1106 determines whether anyof the animals are displaying normal behavior. For example, in anembodiment, the analyze operation 1106 may determine which animals haveeaten or drunk within a predetermined period of time. In anotherembodiment, the analyze operation 1106 may identify trends of normalbehavior (e.g., consistent eating and/or drinking habits). In anotherembodiment, the analyze operation 1106 may determine which animals arein view (e.g., tag is within range).

A determination module 1108 determines whether an alert condition exists(i.e., whether a user should be alerted to a situation or trendidentified by the analyze operation 1106). If the determination module1108 determines an alert condition does not exist, then the monitoringprocess 1100 completes and ends at a stop module 1112. If thedetermination module 1108 determines an alert condition exists, however,then an alert operation 1110 indicates the situation to the user beforethe monitoring process completes and ends at the stop module 1112. In anembodiment, a user may define conditions under which an alert conditionwill exist. For example, the user may specify the maximum period of timean animal may go without eating or drinking without triggering the alertoperation 1110.

In an embodiment, the alert operation 1110 displays a visual and/oraudio alarm to a user in the field. For example, if the data manager1040 is a laptop computer located in a feed truck, water truck, or othervehicle driving through the feed lot, then the alert operation 1110 maysound an audio alarm to the driver of the vehicle. In anotherembodiment, the alert operation 1110 may communicate (e.g., via anetwork connection, such as a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet) a visualand/or audio alarm to a remote user (e.g., medical personnel, aninvestor, bank, or other asset holder, the owner or agent thereof,etc.). For example, the alert operation 1110 may send an update to awebpage displaying a status of the animals. In another embodiment, thealert operation 1110 updates a status of an animal to indicate theanimal should be monitored or inspected. In an embodiment, the alertoperation 1110 indicates immediate action is appropriate. In anembodiment, the alert operation 1110 indicates action within a specificperiod of time is appropriate. In another embodiment, the alertoperation 1110 indicates further monitoring and/or review isappropriate.

FIGS. 17-20 are schematic diagrams illustrating example status displaysthat may be generated by the alert operation 1110. Alternatively, thestatus of the animals may be displayed, processed, and/or recordedwhether or not an alert condition exists.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of a first example graphic userinterface (GUI) 1200 providing a daily health status for each animal inthe feed lot. The first GUI 1200 is organized as a table or databasehaving a first column 1210 indicating animal (i.e., or tag)identification numbers, a second column 1220 indicating when therespective animal last ate, a third column 1230 indicating when theanimal last drank, and a fourth column 1240 indicating an alert status(e.g., whether an alert condition exists).

In the example shown, a user can read the GUI 1200 and easily understandan alert condition exists for the animal having identification number 5.The animals having identification numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 each ate ordrank recently and, accordingly, have a status indication of “OK.” Theanimal having identification number 5, however, has not eaten or drunkall day, which may indicate animal number 5 is sick or dead.Accordingly, the database presentation 1200 facilitates communication ofproblems or potential issues to users to enable quick and/or directedaction.

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of a second example GUI 1300 thatgenerally provides a current status of the animals in the feed lot. Thesecond GUI 1300 includes a first window 1310 indicating how many animalsare currently in range and/or engaged in an activity of interest. Thesecond GUI 1300 also may include a second window 1320 displaying videoand/or audio surveillance of the feed lot. For example, in anembodiment, the second window 1320 may display a real-time image of theanimals in the feed lot. In another embodiment, the second window 1320may display a periodically refreshed still image taken of the animals inthe feed lot.

In other embodiments, user interface displays may indicate other typesof information about the animals. For example, embodiments of a userinterface display may indicate the age, sex, weight, and/or height ofone or more animals. Other embodiments of a user interface display mayindicate a medical history (e.g., recent diseases or other healthissues, exposure to diseases or other heath issues, vaccinations,medications, current treatments being received, etc.) of one or moreanimals. In other embodiments, a user interface display may indicate atransaction history (e.g., date born, date sold, date exported, dateimported, lots in which the animal has resided, etc.) for one or moreanimals.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of an example display 1600 thatenables a user to monitor existing alert conditions. In an embodiment,the display 1600 may include a chart or table 1610 indicating the typesof alarm conditions and the number of animals meeting each alertcondition. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the table 1610 includes afirst field 1612 indicating the total number of animals to be monitored(i.e., for which an alert condition exists), a second field 1614indicating a first alert condition, a third data field 1616 indicating asecond alert condition, and a fourth data field 1618 indicating a thirdalert condition. In other embodiments, greater or fewer alert conditionsmay be displayed.

In the example shown, the first alert condition indicates the animal ismissing. Non-limiting examples of the second alert condition include theanimal has not eaten in a predetermined period of time, the animal hasnot visited the food trough in a predetermined period of time, theanimal has not visited the food trough a minimum number of times perpredetermined period, the animal has not spent a minimum predeterminedamount of time at the food trough, or the animal has spent more than amaximum predetermined amount of time at the food trough. Non-limitingexamples of the third alert condition include the animal has not drunkin a predetermined period of time, the animal has not visited the watertrough in a predetermined period of time, the animal has not visited thewater trough a minimum number of times per predetermined period, theanimal has not spent a minimum predetermined amount of time at the watertrough, or the animal has spent more than a maximum predetermined amountof time at the water trough.

Each of data field 1614, 1616, 1618 is populated with a value indicatingthe number of animals meeting the respective alert condition. The table1610 of FIG. 19 indicates two animals should be monitored (see 1612).One of these animals has not been eating (see 1616) and both of theseanimals have not been drinking (see 1618). In some embodiments, a usermay select one or more of the data fields, columns, and/or rows of thetable 1610 to obtain additional information. For example, in anembodiment, a user may select a column and/or row associated with analert condition to view a status of all animals associated with thealert condition. In other embodiments, additional information may beshown within the same display 1600.

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of an example display 1700 thatprovides additional information about alert conditions with respect tospecific animals. In an embodiment, the display 1700 includes a chartand/or table 1710 indicating why each animal is associated with one ormore alert conditions.

For example, in FIG. 20, a first animal having an identification number“111” was accounted for on the date Jan. 14, 2008, but has not eaten ordrunk since the date Jan. 12, 2008. Accordingly, the first animal hastriggered a first alert condition indicating the first animal is noteating and a second alert condition indicating the first animal is notdrinking. A second animal having identification number “222” ate on thedate Jan. 14, 2008, but has not drunk since the date Jan. 13, 2008.Accordingly, the second animal has triggered only a first alertcondition indicating the animal is not drinking.

In an embodiment, the data triggering an alert condition is indicated onthe display. In an embodiment, the data triggering the alert conditionis distinct from the text indicating a normal status of the animal. Inthe example shown, the backgrounds of the data fields 1714, 1716 areshaded. In another embodiment, the data fields triggering an alertcondition may be colored, outlined, enlarged, bolded, highlighted, orotherwise modified to draw attention. In another embodiment, the secondand third data fields 1714, 1716 of the display associated with thefirst animal are modified to draw attention to them.

Mobile Reader

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of an example mobile reader 2300configured to facilitate communication between a data manager, such asdata manager 2200 of FIG. 14, a reader, such as reader 2100 of FIG. 10,a beacon, such as beacon 2000 of FIG. 5, and/or an animal tag, such asanimal tag 900 of FIG. 6. In an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300collects information from one or more readers and reports the collectedinformation to the data manager. In an embodiment, the mobile reader2300 distributes messages from the data manager to one or more readers.In an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300 may communicate directlybetween the data manager and a tag and/or a beacon.

In an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300 is mobile (e.g., see mobilereader 845 of FIG. 3). In such an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300 maybe referred to as a “mobile reader.” For example, the mobile reader 2300may move to be within range of a reader and then move to be within rangeof the data manager. In an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300 may travelbetween readers to collect information from multiple readers beforereporting to the data manager. In an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300is coupled to a moving object, such as a vehicle. In another embodiment,the mobile reader 2300 may be carried by a person or animal. In otherembodiments, however, the mobile reader 2300 may remain stationary.

In general, the mobile reader 2300 includes a housing 2310 containing aDM module 2312, a first radio transceiver 2314, an antenna 2318, and amicrocontroller 2320. The mobile reader 2300 communicates with the datamanager via the DM module 2312. For example, the DM module 2312 mayinclude a cable port, a wireless signal port, or other communicationsdevice. In an embodiment, the DM port 2312 is a cable port configured toreceive a USB cable. In an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300 receivespower from the data manager through the DM module 2312 (e.g., via a USBconnection). In another embodiment, the mobile reader 2300 couples to adifferent external power source (not shown). In another embodiment, themobile reader 2300 includes an internal power source (not shown).

The mobile reader 2300 communicates with a reader via the first radiotransceiver 2314, which radiates radio signals through the antenna 2318.In an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300 receives signals from thereader and transmits messages to the reader via the first radiotransceiver 2314. In an embodiment, the first radio 2314 is the same asthe second radio 2114 of the reader 2100 of FIG. 10. In an embodiment,the antenna 2318 includes a directional antenna. In another embodiment,the antenna 2318 may include any suitable antenna.

In an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300 includes a second radiotransceiver 2316. In an embodiment, the second radio transceiver 2316radiates radio signals through the antenna 2318. In another embodiment,the second radio transceiver 2316 radiates radio signals through asecond antenna (not shown). In an embodiment, the second radiotransceiver 2316 may be configured to communicate with (e.g., send orreceive radio signals to and from) one or more animal tags. In anembodiment, the second radio transceiver 2316 may be configured tocommunicate with one or more beacons.

The microcontroller 2320 contains memory 2322 configured to storeinformation received from the data manager via the DM port 2312,received from a reader via the first radio transceiver 2314 and antenna2318, or received from a tag or beacon via the second radio transceiver2316. For example, the memory 2322 of FIG. 21 stores tag-related data(e.g., obtained from a reader) for a Tag 1 through a Tag N. In otherembodiments, the memory 2322 may store other types of information. In anembodiment, the memory 2322 of the mobile reader 2300 is configured tohold more data than the memory 2117 of the reader 2100 of FIG. 10 and/orthe memory 922 of the tag 900 of FIG. 6.

In an embodiment, the mobile reader 2300 also includes a clock 2319(e.g., a crystal) with which the microcontroller 2320 may time periodicintervals.

Smart Beacon

In additional embodiments, components of the animal management systemmay perform functions described above as implemented by othercomponents. For example, in an embodiment, the beacon may broadcast apresence announcement only after receiving a query signal from an animaltag. In such an embodiment, the animal tag broadcasts its own uniqueidentification number periodically or continuously. The beacon receivesthe identification number of the animal tag when the animal moves theanimal tag to a position in which a beacon is located within range ofthe animal tag. Accordingly, the beacon conserves power by transmittingits own identification number only when an animal tag is likely to bewithin range of the beacon.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 22, an animal management system 2500may include one or more beacons 2510, one or more animal tags 2520, anda data manager 2550. The animal management system 2500 may include amobile reader 2540 of the data manager 2550. The beacon 2510 of theanimal management system 2500 generally performs the functions of boththe beacon, such as beacon 2000 of FIG. 5, and the reader, such asreader 2100 of FIG. 10, of the animal management systems describedabove.

Such a beacon 2510 can be configured to transmit information to theanimal tag 2520, to receive information from the tag 2520, orcombination thereof. In an embodiment, the beacon 2510 may broadcast apresence announcement periodically or continuously to any animal tagwithin range of the beacon 2510. The presence information may indicatethe presence of a beacon, the presence of a specific type of beacon, orthe presence of a unique beacon.

The beacon 2510 also may receive reports from one or more animal tagsindicating proximity information or other data stored on the animal tag.In an embodiment, the beacon 2510 may receive tag-specific data. In anembodiment, the tag-specific information can include a uniqueidentification number of the tag, information stored on the tag, orproximity information of the tag (e.g., time the tag spent in proximityto the beacon 2510 and/or to other beacons).

The beacon 2510 may forward the report to the data manager 2550 or themobile reader 2540. For example, in an embodiment, the beacon 2510 mayforward the report to a mobile reader 2540 when a request for tagreports is received from the mobile reader 2540. In an embodiment, abeacon 2510 also may be configured to transmit radio signals to one ormore recipient animal tags 2520. For example, in an embodiment, thebeacon 2510 may be configured to transmit a message to a recipientanimal tag 2520 from the data manager 2550 or the mobile reader 2540.

In another embodiment, the beacon and the animal tag may switchfunctions. For example, the beacon may track which animal tags move intoproximity with the beacon. In such an embodiment, an animal tag maybroadcast presence information periodically or continuously. When ananimal moves to a position in which a beacon is located within range ofthe animal tag, the beacon receives and stores the presence information.In an embodiment, the beacon and not the animal tag stores the presenceinformation. In an embodiment, the beacon may forward the presenceinformation received from the animal tag to the tag, a reader, a datamanager, or combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the beacon may be configured to measure the time theanimal tag is located in proximity to the beacon and to transmit themeasured time to the tag, the reader, the data manager, or combinationthereof. In an embodiment, the beacon is configured to store in memoryand transmit to the reader the measured time specific to the tag. In anembodiment, the beacon may be configured to determine a number of timesan animal tag came into proximity to the beacon. In such an embodiment,this beacon may have a greater capacity memory than the beacons of theanimal management systems described above. In an embodiment, this beaconmay have a greater capacity memory than the animal tag of this animalmanagement system.

In such an embodiment, the animal tag may be configured to transmitradio signals over a predetermined distance. In an embodiment, theanimal tag may be configured (e.g., through resistance loading) to havea limited range. For example, the animal tag may be configured totransmit signals only a few meters, decimeters, centimeters, ormillimeters. Accordingly, beacons obtain presence information only foranimals located proximate an area of interest.

Passage Sensing

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a handling and tracking application that maybe implemented by the data manager of an animal management system. FIG.23 is a schematic block diagram of an example animal management system1400 configured to process (e.g., track application of a vaccine) totagged animals. The animal management system 1400 also records (e.g., asan event) the application of the vaccine to each animal on therespective animal tags.

The animal management system 1400 includes a pen 1401 and a chute (e.g.,a squeeze-through chute) 1403 through which animals 1425 may leave thepen 1401 in a controlled manner (e.g., single file or two-aside). Afirst reader 1430 is positioned on the pen 1401 adjacent the chute 1403to monitor which animals 1425 leave the pen 1401 and enter the chute1403. A second reader 1438 is positioned in the chute 1403 spaced fromthe pen 1401 to collect data from the animal tags in range of the secondreader 1438. In other embodiments, additional readers (not shown) may beprovided.

A processing station 1460 is generally located along the chute 1403between the first reader 1430 and the second reader 1438. In an exampleembodiment, the processing station 1460 includes a location at which avaccine may be applied to the animals 1425 as the animals pass by theprocessing station 1460. In an embodiment, the processing station 1460may include a location at which physical characteristics of the animalmay be obtained and/or recorded. For example, in an embodiment, theprocessing station 1460 includes a location at which the animal 1425 maybe weighted or other measurements may be taken. In another embodiment,the processing station 1460 is an ear tag distribution station (notshown) at which ear tags may be printed and coupled to the animals.

A mobile reader 1445 is configured to collect tag data periodically fromthe first and second readers 1430, 1438 and to forward (e.g., via a USBconnection, a wireless connection, or any other suitable connection) thecollected data to a data manager 1440 for processing. In an embodiment,the mobile reader 1445 is a computing device configured to circulateamongst the readers 1430, 1438 of the animal management system 1400.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an exampleupdate process 1500 that may be implemented by the data manager 1440 toupdate information on the animal tags after processing the animals atthe processing station 1460 (FIG. 23). The update process 1500initializes and begins at a start module 1502 and proceeds to a firstreceive operation 1504.

The first receive operation 1504 receives tag data at the data manager1440 from the mobile reader 1445. In an embodiment, the first receiveoperation 1504 receives tag data obtained from the first reader 1430,which acquired the tag data after the respective animal tag entered therange of the first reader 1430. In another embodiment, the first receiveoperation 1504 receives tag data obtained from the second reader 1438,which acquired the tag data after the respective animal tag entered therange of the second reader 1438. In other embodiments, the first receiveoperation 1504 may receive tag data relating to multiple animals fromone or both of the first and second readers 1430, 1438.

A determination module 1506 determines whether each set of tag data(i.e., the message sent from each tag) was received from the secondreader 1438, which has a predetermined range. By positioning the secondreader 1438 past the processing station 1460, the data manager 1440 mayconclude animals viewed by the second reader 1438 have been processed(e.g., received the vaccine). If the first determination module 1506determines the tag data was not received from the second reader 1438,then the update process 1500 proceeds to a store operation 1514, whichupdates a data storage with the tag data. The update process 1500completes and ends at a stop module 1516.

If the first determination module 1506 determines the tag data wasreceived from the second reader 1438, however, then a seconddetermination module 1508 determines whether the respective tag wasexpected at the second reader 1438. For example, the seconddetermination module 1508 may determine whether the respective tag wasalready viewed by the first reader 1430. If the second determinationmodule 1508 determines the tag was not expected at the second reader1438, then an alarm operation 1512 issues an alert to one or more users.The store operation 1514 updates a data storage with the tag data andthe update process 1500 completes and ends at a stop module 1516.

If the second determination module 1508 determines the tag was expectedat the second reader 1438, however, then a send operation 1510 forwardsinstructions to the animal tag to update its memory to reflect itspassage through the processing station 1460. In an embodiment, the sendoperation 1510 sends to the recipient animal tag instructions to updatean activity log or personal information (e.g., medical history) storedon the animal tag to reflect a processing event (e.g., receipt of avaccination). The store operation 1514 updates a data storage with thetag data and the update process 1500 completes and ends at a stop module1516.

In some embodiments, the send operation 1510 addresses the instructionsto a recipient animal tag and requests one or more readers to broadcastthe instructions with the specific address to all animal tags in view.For example, the send operation 1510 may forward instructions to themobile reader 1445, which communicates the instructions to one or morefixed readers 1430, 1438 to broadcast the update instructions to theanimal tag. In an embodiment, the send operation 1510 requests thereaders to continue broadcasting the instructions (e.g., continuously orat periodic intervals) until confirmation of receipt of the message hasbeen received from the recipient animal tag. In another embodiment, thesend operation 1510 may send instructions to the tags via a beacon.

In an embodiment, the send operation 1510 sends instructions to theanimal tags to report in to a reader more often (i.e., wake up morefrequently). In an embodiment, the beacon provides instructions toreport in with sufficient speed or regularity to allow a reader to readthe animal tags as the animals tags file past the reader at apredetermined rate. Advantageously, more frequent reporting mitigatesthe amount of time an individual animal tag must spend by a reader toensure the animal tag has checked in. Accordingly, in an embodiment,less handling of the animals is required to obtain accurate data.

In an embodiment, one or more beacons (not shown) may be arrangedadjacent the pen 1401 or other holding area in which an animal is keptprior to processing the animal. The beacon may provide an instruction tothe animal tag coupled to the animal in the pen 1401 to toggle into theawake mode more frequently. In an embodiment, the beacon providesinstructions to toggle into the awake mode more frequently over apredetermined period of time (e.g., the next few minutes, hours, days,etc.).

In an embodiment, the beacon provides instructions to toggle into theawake mode more frequently for about a length of time sufficient toprocess the animal. In another embodiment, the beacon may provideinstructions to toggle into the awake mode more frequently for about alength of time sufficient to load the animal onto a truck (e.g., withadditional animals).

In another embodiment, the present invention can include a method ofmonitoring processing (e.g., vaccinating) an animal. This methodincludes providing an animal and an animal tag coupled to the animal.The animal can be moving through a chute. The entry beacon broadcasts achute entrance beacon signal over a first beacon range that encompassesan entrance to the chute. The chute entrance beacon signal can includefirst beacon information including an identifier of the entrance to thechute.

This method also includes receiving at the tag transceiver the chuteentrance beacon signal when the animal enters the chute. The method thenincludes processing the animal while the animal is located within thechute.

The exit beacon broadcasts a chute exit beacon signal over a secondbeacon range that encompasses an exit from the chute. The chute exitbeacon signal can include second beacon information including anidentifier of the exit from the chute.

The tag receives the chute exit beacon signal at the tag transceiverwhen the animal has been processed and is exiting the chute. The tagalso stores tag information in the memory of the tag. The taginformation can include a type of processing and indicia indicatingcompletion of the processing.

The method then includes transmitting from the tag to a reader a tagsignal including the tag information and receiving the tag signal at thereader. The reader then transmits reader information from the reader toa data manager. The reader information can include the tag information,information generated when the tag information is received at thereader, or a combination thereof. The data manager processes theinformation received by the data manager to determine whether the animalhas been adequately processed and presents an alert indicating a statusof the animal if the animal has not been adequately processed.

National Animal Identification System

Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for complyingwith the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). NAIS providesproducers and owners of animals, such as livestock, with uniqueidentification numbers as part of a uniform numbering system for animalsnationwide. The unique identification number links an animal to itsbirthplace or premises of origin. When combined with animal tracing, theunique identification number also links the animal to eachpremises/location that reports contact with the animal. As part of NAIS,producers and owners report certain animal movements (e.g., those thatmight pose a significant risk of disease transmission).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example generation process 2400by which a report for the NAIS may be generated automatically using anyof the animal management systems disclosed herein. The generationprocess 2400 initializes and begins at a start module 2402 and proceedsto an obtain operation 2404.

The obtain operation 2404 determines an appropriate format in which tosubmit information for the purposes of the NAIS. For example, in anembodiment, the obtain operation 2404 acquires a form or template reportfor the NAIS. In another embodiment, the obtain operation 2404determines what information is appropriate to submit. For example, in anembodiment, the obtain operation 2404 determines a unique animalidentification number and a location identification number should besubmitted for each animal being reported.

A receive operation 2406 acquires appropriate data about the animal tobe reported to the NAIS. In an embodiment, the receive operation 2406may retrieve the appropriate information from a data manager. Forexample, the receive operation 2406 may retrieve the appropriateinformation from a database maintained by the data manger. In anotherembodiment, the receive operation 2406 queries the animal tags andobtains responses.

A determination module 2408 determines whether the data acquired duringthe receive operation 2406 is sufficient to generate a report. In anembodiment, the determination module 2408 determines whether informationcan be found for each data field on a template form. In anotherembodiment, the determination module 2408 determines whether allappropriate information could be obtained for each animal.

If the determination module 2408 determines sufficient information couldbe obtained, then a generate operation 2410 automatically generates areport for the NAIS based on the information acquired in the obtain andreceive operations 2404, 2406, respectively. In an embodiment, thegenerate operation 2410 generates an electronic copy of the report. Thegeneration process 2400 completes and ends at a stop module 2414.

If the determination module 2408 determines sufficient information couldnot be obtained, however, then an alert operation 2412 indicatesadditional information is needed to generate the report. In anembodiment, the alert operation 2412 displays an error message to theuser. In an embodiment, the alert operation 2412 indicates whatinformation is missing. In an embodiment, the alert operation 2412indicates why information may be missing (e.g., disconnected to the datamanager, disconnected from the animal tag, etc.). The generation process2400 completes and ends at the stop module 2414.

Encrypted Transmissions

In some embodiments, a beacon may transfer an encrypted message to ananimal tag. For example, a beacon at a veterinarian station may transferan encrypted message indicating the animal received a particularvaccination, medicine, or treatment. Proper encoding of the message mayindicate the message was received from an authorized beacon. A tag, areader, and/or a data manager may be configured to decode the encryptedmessage.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for an example transmission process 2600 by whicha beacon may certify a message transmitted to an animal tag of one ofthe animal management systems disclosed herein originates from anauthorized source. The transmission process 2600 initializes and beginsat a start module 2602 and proceeds to a receive operation 2604. Thereceive operation 2604 obtains data to be transmitted to an animal tag.In an embodiment, the receive operation 2604 obtains data that isconfidential. In another embodiment, the receive operation 2604 obtainsdata from an authorized source.

In an embodiment, the receive operation 2604 obtains data through aninput device coupled to a beacon. For example, the receive operation2604 may obtain data through a keyboard, a scanner, a touch screen, amouse, a light pen, a jog wheel, a microphone, or another suitable inputdevice. In another embodiment, the receive operation 2604 may obtaindata from a storage device through a direct connection (e.g., a cableconnection or a wireless connection). In another embodiment, the receiveoperation 2604 may obtain data through a network connection (e.g., to aLAN, a WAN, an intranet, or the Internet).

An encode operation 2606 encrypts the data obtained by the receiveroperation 2604. In an embodiment, the encode operation 2606 encrypts thedata based at least in part on the identity of the source of the data.For example, each authorized source may be assigned a differentencryption code. In another embodiment, the encode operation 2606encrypts the data based at least in part on the type of data beingencoded. For example, all medical data may be encrypted using the samekey. In other embodiments, other types of encryption may be used.

A transmit operation 2608 sends the encrypted message from a beacon toan animal tag. For example, in an embodiment, the transmit operation2608 may broadcast the encrypted message to a recipient animal tag. Inanother embodiment, the transmit operation 2608 may broadcast theencrypted message to multiple animal tags. The transmission process 2600completes and ends at a stop module 2610.

In an embodiment, the beacon implements the encode operation 2606 aswell as the transmit operation 2608. In another embodiment, the beaconreceives the encrypted message from a coder or processing device priorto transmitting the encrypted message.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an exampleverification process 2700 by which an animal tag, a reader, and/or adata manager of one of the animal systems disclosed herein may certifyan encrypted message originated from an authorized source. Theverification process 2700 initializes and begins at a start module 2702and proceeds to a receive operation 2704.

The receive operation 2704 obtains encrypted data originally transmittedfrom a beacon. In an embodiment, the receive operation 2704 obtains theencrypted data directly from the beacon. In another embodiment, thereceive operation 2704 obtains the encrypted data through a network ofone or more components of the animal management system. In anembodiment, the receive operation 2704 also receives unencrypted data.

An obtain operation 2706 determines an identity of the source of thedata acquired at the receive operation 2704. For example, in anembodiment, the obtain operation 2706 may receive a source identifierfrom the beacon or another component of the animal management system. Inan embodiment, the obtain operation 2706 may receive an encrypted sourceidentifier. In another embodiment, the obtain operation 2706 maydetermine the source identity based on the type of data that isencrypted. For example, in an embodiment, the same veterinarian orclinic may be responsible for all medical data for a particular animal.

A decode operation 2708 decrypts the encrypted data obtained by thereceive operation 2704. In an embodiment, the decode operation 2708decrypts the data based at least in part on the identity of the sourceof the data. In such an embodiment, the identity of the source also maybe received by the receive operation 2704. In an embodiment, the decodeoperation 2708 decrypts the data based at least in part on the type ofdata being decoded. In other embodiments, other types of decryption maybe used.

A determination module 2710 determines whether the encrypted data wasreceived from the source indicated by the source identifier. Forexample, in an embodiment, the determination module 2710 determineswhether the decode operation 2708 properly decoded the encrypted databased on the source identifier. In another embodiment, the determinationmodule 2710 determines whether data from the identified source should beencrypted. If the determination module 2710 determines the data wasproperly encrypted and from the identified source, then a storeoperation 2712 records the information in memory. The verificationprocess 2700 completes and ends at a stop module 2716.

In an embodiment, an animal tag implements the store operation 2712 bystoring the data in non-volatile memory. In an embodiment, an animal tagimplements the store operation 2712 by storing the data in volatilememory. In an embodiment, an animal tag implements the store operation2712 by storing the decrypted data in memory. In an embodiment, ananimal tag implements the store operation 2712 by storing the encrypteddata in memory.

In an embodiment, a reader implements the store operation 2712 bystoring the data in memory at least until the data is forwarded to adata manager. In an embodiment, the reader the store operation 2712 bystoring the decrypted data in memory. In an embodiment, the readerimplements the store operation 2712 by storing the encrypted data inmemory.

In an embodiment, a data manager implements the store operation 2712 bystoring the data in non-volatile memory. In an embodiment, the datamanager implements the store operation 2712 by storing the decrypteddata in memory. In an embodiment, the data manager implements the storeoperation 2712 by storing the encrypted data in memory.

If the determination module 2710 determines the data was properly notencrypted and/or the data did not originate from the identified source,however, then an alert operation 2714 indicates a potential problem tothe user. In an embodiment, the alert operation 2714 issues an immediatealert to the user. In another embodiment, the alert operation 2714generates and/or stores an indication the data is suspect. Theverification process 2700 completes and ends at a stop module 2716.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

Other embodiments of animal management systems and management processesmay be implemented using the principles of the present disclosure andcan have features in addition to those described above.

Another method of monitoring or tracking animals can include monitoringthe proximity of a radio tagged animal to a beacon and storinginformation regarding the proximity of the radio tagged animal to thebeacon in a radio animal tag, in the beacon, or in the beacon and theradio animal tag. This method can also include sending the informationto a distant reader from the radio animal tag, from the beacon, or fromthe beacon and the radio animal tag.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes an animal managementsystem. This animal management system can include a beacon, an animaltag, and a reader.

In this embodiment, the beacon includes a beacon transceiver. The beacontransceiver can be configured to broadcast a beacon signal over a beaconrange. The beacon signal can include beacon information, which caninclude an identifier of an area of interest.

The beacon range encompasses the area of interest. For example, thebeacon range can extend less than or equal to about 4 feet outside thearea of interest. For example, the beacon range can be substantiallycoterminous with the area of interest. The beacon range can besufficient to transmit the beacon information to the animal tag in oradjacent to the area of interest.

The system can include a plurality of beacons. For example, the systemcan include a first beacon configured to broadcast a first beacon signalidentifying a first area of interest and a second beacon is configuredto broadcast a second beacon signal identifying a second area ofinterest. In an embodiment, the plurality of beacons can be electricallycoupled to a power source. For example, the system can include a firstplurality of electrically coupled beacons configured to broadcast afirst beacon signal identifying a first area of interest and a secondplurality of electrically coupled beacons configured to broadcast asecond beacon signal identifying a second area of interest.

In this embodiment, the animal tag includes memory and a tagtransceiver. The memory can be configured to store tag information. Thetag transceiver can be configured to receive the beacon signal and totransmit a tag signal including the tag information. Tag information caninclude indicia identifying the animal tag, the beacon information,information generated upon receiving the beacon signal, or a combinationthereof. The information generated upon receiving the beacon signal caninclude a duration of time the animal tag is located within the beaconrange of the beacon. The information generated upon receiving the beaconsignal can include an incremented value of a beacon counter. In anembodiment, the system includes a plurality of animal tags, each animaltag being configured to store tag information identifying that tag.

In this embodiment, the reader includes a reader transceiver. The readertransceiver can be configured to receive the tag signal and to transmitthe tag information, information generated upon receiving the taginformation, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the readertransceiver can be configured to transmit to a data manager the taginformation, information generated upon receiving the tag information,or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the reader transceiver isconfigured to communicate with the animal tag. In an embodiment, thereader transceiver is configured to transmit to the animal tag acommand, data, a query, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of readers. Forexample, the system can include a stationary reader and a mobile reader.The stationary reader can be configured to communicate with the mobilereader. The mobile reader can be configured to communicate with a datamanager. The mobile reader can be configured to receive power from thedata manager.

In an embodiment, the area of interest includes equipment employed inlivestock husbandry. For example, the area of interest can include anarea selected from the group consisting of a feed trough, a watertrough, a mineral station, and a windbreak. For example, the area ofinterest can includes an area selected from the group consisting of asqueeze-through chute, a pen at an auction facility, and a truck. Thesystem can monitor a plurality of areas of interest. In an embodiment,the first area of interest is adjacent an entry to a squeeze-throughchute and the second area of interest is adjacent an exit from thesqueeze-through chute. In an embodiment, the first area of interest is awater trough and the second area of interest is a feed trough.

In an embodiment, the system includes a power source. Examples ofsuitable power sources include a solar cell, a battery, or a combinationthereof. The power source can be configured to provide power to thereader, the beacon, or a combination thereof. For example, the systemcan include a beacon power source, a reader power source, or acombination thereof.

In an embodiment, the system includes a data manager. The data managercan be configured to process data obtained by the animal tag, datagenerated by the animal tag, or a combination thereof. The data managercan be configured to display information about a status of an animal andto provide an alert if the status of the animal meets an alertcondition.

Another embodiment of the system of the present invention is a facilitymanagement system for managing animals within a facility. This facilitymanagement system can include a beacon disposed at an area of interestlocated within the facility, the area of interest being smaller than thefacility. This embodiment of the beacon includes a beacon transceiverconfigured to broadcast a beacon signal over a beacon range encompassingat least a portion of the area of interest. This system also include ananimal tag disposed on an animal, the animal being confined to a regionof the facility, the region being larger than the area of interest. Thisembodiment of the animal tag includes a tag transceiver configured toreceive the beacon signal when within the beacon range of the beacon.This system also includes a reader disposed in or proximal to the regionin which the animal is confined.

The present invention also includes a method of monitoring animalbehavior. This method can include providing an animal and an animal tagcoupled to the animal. The animal tag includes a tag transceiver andmemory storing tag information including indicia identifying the animal.In this method, the animal is enclosed in a region of a facilityincluding at least a portion of an area of interest; the area ofinterest being within and smaller than the facility. This methodincludes broadcasting from a beacon a beacon signal encompassing thearea of interest. The beacon signal can include beacon informationincluding an identifier of the area of interest.

This method includes receiving the beacon signal at the tag transceiverwhen the animal is in or adjacent to the area of interest. The memory ofthe animal tag storing tag information including the beacon information,information generated at the animal tag when the beacon signal isreceived, or a combination thereof. This method includes transmittingfrom the tag to the reader a tag signal including tag information. Thismethod also includes receiving at the reader transceiver the tag signalfrom the animal tag.

This method also includes transmitting reader information from thereader transceiver to a data manager. The reader information includingthe tag information, information generated when the tag information isreceived at the reader, or a combination thereof. The method alsoinclude processing the reader information received by the data managerto determine a status of the animal and presenting an alert if thestatus of the animal is outside predefined parameters.

In this embodiment of the method, transmitting reader information fromthe reader transceiver to the data manager can include transmitting thereader information from the reader transceiver to a mobile reader, themobile reader transmitting the information to the data manager. Themethod can also include indicating a status of the animal on a display.

The method can also include processing the reader information. This caninclude generating a status update for the animal, the status updateidentifying the animal and indicating a monitored condition of theanimal; analyzing the status update to determine whether an alertcondition exists; updating the status of the animal on the display; andpresenting the alert on the display if the alert condition is determinedto exist. Updating the status of the animal on the display can includeadding the status update to a web page and refreshing the web page.

This embodiment of the method can include providing a plurality ofanimals, each animal being coupled to an animal tag including indiciaidentifying the animal and monitoring and displaying a status of each ofanimal of the plurality.

An embodiment of the present method relates to monitoring animal feedingand drinking behavior. This embodiment of the method includes providingan animal and an animal tag coupled to the animal. The animal is able toaccess a feed trough and a water trough from the region. A first beaconbroadcasts a water trough beacon signal over a first beacon range thatencompasses the water trough. The water trough beacon signal includeswater trough beacon information including an identifier of the watertrough. A second beacon broadcasts a feed trough beacon signal over asecond beacon range that encompasses the feed trough. The feed troughbeacon signal includes feed trough beacon information including anidentifier of the feed trough.

The tag then receives the water trough beacon signal at the tagtransceiver when the animal is located at the water trough and/orreceives the feed trough beacon signal at the tag transceiver when theanimal is located at the feed trough. The tag stores tag information inthe memory of the tag, the tag information including an indication theanimal has been proximate the water trough, an indication the animal hasbeen proximate the feed trough, or a combination thereof.

The tag then transmits from the tag to a reader a tag signal includingthe tag information. The method includes receiving the tag signal at thereader and transmitting reader information to a data manager. The readerinformation can include the tag information, information generated whenthe tag signal is received at the reader, or a combination thereof. Themethod includes processing the reader information at the data manager todetermine an animal nourishment status indicating whether the animal hasbeen proximate the feed trough, the water trough, or a combinationthereof. The display then displays the animal nourishment status to auser and displays an alert if the animal nourishment status indicatesthe animal has not been proximate the feed trough, the water trough, ora combination thereof for a predetermined period of time.

This embodiment of the method can include displaying the animalnourishment status to a user. This displaying can include indicating theanimal nourishment status of the animal on a display; receiving anupdated animal nourishment status for the animal; analyzing the updatedanimal nourishment status to determine whether the animal has beenadequately feeding and drinking; updating the display with the updatedanimal nourishment status; and displaying an alert if the animal has notbeen adequately feeding and drinking. Updating the display can includesadding the updated animal nourishment status to a web page andrefreshing the web page. The method can include providing a plurality ofanimals, each animal being coupled to an animal tag including indiciaidentifying the animal and monitoring and displaying an animalnourishment status of each of the animals.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for tracking and/ormanaging animals. A method of tracking or managing can includemonitoring the proximity of a radio tagged animal to a beacon. Themethod can include obtaining and storing any of a variety of informationor data. In an embodiment, the information includes an identificationindicia specific to the animal, tag-specific information, or acombination thereof. The method also can include storing informationregarding the proximity of the radio tagged animal to the beacon in aradio animal tag, in the beacon, or in the beacon and the radio animaltag.

In an embodiment, the method also can include sending the information toa distant reader from the radio animal tag, from the beacon, or from thebeacon and the radio animal tag. Sending can include interrogating andwriting to the animal tag, the reader, or plurality thereof. Sending caninclude, for example, transmitting from the tag over a distance of 25meters or more. In an embodiment, sending includes transmitting from thetag over a distance sufficient for the tag to be read on an animal in aholding pen by the reader external to the holding pen.

In an embodiment, the method can include querying the tag with thereader. Querying the tag can include identifying the tag by itsidentifying indicia and transmitting information correlated with thetag's identifying indicia and/or general information. In an embodiment,querying includes polling a plurality of tags for identifying indicia.Each tag may be identified by distinct identifying indicia. The methodincludes transmitting to each tag information correlated with the tag'sidentifying indicia. This embodiment can also include transmittinggeneral information.

In an embodiment, the method can include providing the radio tag coupledto an ear of an animal. In an embodiment, the method can includeproviding one or more beacons proximal a feed trough. In an embodiment,the method can include providing one or more beacons proximal a wateringsystem. In an embodiment, the method can include providing the readerproximal an animal holding pen. In an embodiment, the method can includeproviding the reader coupled to a feed truck, water truck, or othervehicle.

In another embodiment, the method includes transmitting animal-specificinformation from a reader to one nearby tagged animal at a time. In thisembodiment, the animal-specific information can include informationabout a procedure conducted on the animal, a medication given theanimal, or a combination thereof. This embodiment can include providingthe reader proximal a squeeze through chute. This embodiment of themethod can include transmitting employing a power level effective forcommunication at a distance of less than about 6 feet.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the method can employ twofrequencies and two power levels. For example, sending can includetransmitting information between the beacon and the animal tag over afirst frequency at a first power level. Monitoring can includetransmitting information between the reader and animal tag over a secondfrequency at a second power level. The first power level can be lessthan the second power level.

In another embodiment, a method of tracking animals includes providing afirst beacon adjacent a first type of food and a second beacon adjacenta second type of food. The method also includes tracking which animalsapproached which beacon (and hence which food). In an embodiment, themethod also may include tracking a length of time each animal spent ateach beacon. In an embodiment, the method also may include tracking anumber of visits each animal made to each beacon. The method also mayinclude tracking and/or correlate weight gain of one or more cows to oneof the beacons to determine which food yields greater mass per unit. Inan embodiment, each beacon may represent food fortified with vitamins,proteins, and/or other additives. In such an embodiment, the method mayfacilitate determining cost-effectiveness of the fortified food.

In another embodiment, a method of tracking animals includes providing abeacon on a first animal and an animal tag on a second animal. Theanimal tag on the second animal may track whether the second animal cameinto contact with the first animal. In an embodiment, the animal tag ofthe second animal may track a length of time in which the second animalwas located in proximity to the first animal. For example, in anembodiment, the first animal may be a female animal and the secondanimal may be a male animal. The method also may include monitoring forpregnancy in the female animal. When the female animal is pregnant, themethod may include reviewing the proximity information to determine alikelihood of whether the second animal impregnated the female animal.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be notedthat the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or”unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the term “configured” describes a system, apparatus, orother structure that is constructed or configured to perform aparticular task or adopt a particular configuration. The term“configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases suchas arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, adapted andconfigured, adapted, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and thelike.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific andpreferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understoodthat many variations and modifications may be made while remainingwithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A facility management system for managing animals within a facility,the facility management system comprising: a beacon disposed at an areaof interest located within the facility, the area of interest beingsmaller than the facility; the beacon comprising a beacon transceiver;the beacon transceiver being configured to broadcast a beacon signalover a beacon range encompassing at least a first portion of the area ofinterest; the beacon signal comprising beacon information comprising anidentifier of the area of interest; an animal tag disposed on an animal,the animal being confined to a region of the facility including at leasta second portion of the area of interest; the animal tag comprising atag transceiver and memory storing tag information; the tag transceiverconfigured to receive the beacon signal when within the beacon range ofthe beacon and to transmit a tag signal comprising the tag information;the tag information comprising indicia identifying the animal and, afterthe tag has been within the beacon range of the beacon, furthercomprising the beacon information, information generated upon receivingthe beacon signal, or a combination thereof, and a reader disposed in orproximal to the region in which the animal is confined; the readercomprising a reader transceiver; the reader transceiver being configuredto receive the tag signal and to transmit the tag information,information generated upon receiving the tag information, or acombination thereof.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the beacon rangeextends less than or equal to 4 feet outside the area of interest. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the beacon range is generally coterminouswith the area of interest.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the beaconrange is sufficient to transmit the beacon information to the animal tagon the animal when the animal is located in or adjacent to the area ofinterest.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the area of interest is afeed trough, a water trough, a windbreak, a squeeze-through chute, a penat an auction facility, a stall at a milking parlor, a truck.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the information generated upon receiving thebeacon signal comprises a duration of time the animal tag is locatedwithin the beacon range of the beacon.
 7. The system of claim 1,comprising a plurality of beacons.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein afirst beacon is configured to broadcast a first beacon signalidentifying a first area of interest and a second beacon is configuredto broadcast a second beacon signal identifying a second area ofinterest.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first area of interestis proximal an entry to a squeeze through chute and the second area ofinterest is proximal an exit from a squeeze through chute.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, comprising: a first plurality of beacons configuredto broadcast a first beacon signal identifying a first area of interest;and a second plurality of beacons configured to broadcast a secondbeacon signal identifying a second area of interest.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the first area of interest is a water trough and thesecond area of interest is a feed trough.
 12. The system of claim 10,wherein the first plurality of beacons is arranged at a perimeter of thewater trough and wherein the second plurality of beacons is arranged ata perimeter of the feed trough.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein thefirst plurality of beacons is configured to broadcast the first beaconsignal having a first beacon range encompassing the first area ofinterest.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the second plurality ofbeacons is configured to broadcast the second beacon signal having asecond beacon range encompassing the second area of interest.
 15. Thesystem of claim 1, comprising a plurality of animal tags, each animaltag being disposed on an animal and storing tag information identifyingthat animal.
 16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mobilereader configured to collect information from the reader and to forwardthe collected information to a data manager.
 17. The system of claim 1,comprising a plurality of readers; the plurality of readers comprising astationary reader and a mobile reader; the stationary reader beingconfigured to communicate with the mobile reader; the mobile readerbeing configured to communicate with a data manager.
 18. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a power source configured to provide powerto the reader, the beacon, or a combination thereof, the power sourcecomprising a solar cell, a battery, or a combination thereof.
 19. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a data manager disposed at thefacility but remote from the reader and the region in which the animalis confined; the data manager being configured to process data generatedby the animal tag, by the reader, or a combination thereof.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the data manager is configured to displayinformation about a status of an animal and to provide an alert if thestatus of the animal meets an alert condition.
 21. An animal managementsystem comprising: a beacon, the beacon comprising a beacon transceiver;the beacon transceiver being configured to broadcast a beacon signalover a beacon range; the beacon signal comprising beacon informationcomprising an identifier of an area of interest; the beacon rangeencompassing the area of interest; an animal tag, the animal tagcomprising memory and a tag transceiver; the memory being configured tostore tag information; the tag transceiver configured to receive thebeacon signal and to transmit a tag signal comprising the taginformation; the tag information comprising indicia identifying theanimal tag, the beacon information, information generated upon receivingthe beacon signal, or a combination thereof, and a reader, the readercomprising a reader transceiver; the reader transceiver being configuredto receive the tag signal and to transmit the tag information,information generated upon receiving the tag information, or acombination thereof.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the beaconrange extends less than or equal to about 4 feet outside the area ofinterest.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the beacon range issubstantially coterminous with the area of interest.
 24. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the beacon range is sufficient to transmit the beaconinformation to the animal tag in or adjacent to the area of interest.25. The system of claim 21, wherein the area of interest includesequipment employed in livestock husbandry.
 26. The system of claim 25,wherein the area of interest includes at least one area selected fromthe group consisting of a feed trough, a water trough, a mineralstation, and a windbreak.
 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the areaof interest includes at least one area selected from the groupconsisting of a squeeze-through chute, a pen at an auction facility, anda truck.
 28. The system of claim 21, wherein the information generatedupon receiving the beacon signal comprises a duration of time the animaltag is located within the beacon range of the beacon.
 29. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the information generated upon receiving the beaconsignal comprises an incremented value of a beacon counter.
 30. Thesystem of claim 21, comprising a plurality of beacons.
 31. The system ofclaim 30, wherein a first beacon is configured to broadcast a firstbeacon signal identifying a first area of interest and a second beaconis configured to broadcast a second beacon signal identifying a secondarea of interest.
 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the first area ofinterest is adjacent an entry to a squeeze-through chute and the secondarea of interest is adjacent an exit from the squeeze-through chute. 33.The system of claim 29, wherein the plurality of beacons areelectrically coupled to a power source.
 34. The system of claim 29,comprising: a first plurality of electrically coupled beacons configuredto broadcast a first beacon signal identifying a first area of interest;and a second plurality of electrically coupled beacons configured tobroadcast a second beacon signal identifying a second area of interest.35. The system of claim 34, wherein the first area of interest is awater trough and the second area of interest is a feed trough.
 36. Thesystem of claim 21, comprising a plurality of animal tags, each animaltag being configured to store tag information identifying that tag. 37.The system of claim 21, wherein the reader transceiver is configured totransmit to a data manager the tag information, information generatedupon receiving the tag information, or a combination thereof
 38. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the reader transceiver is configured tocommunicate with the animal tag.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein thereader transceiver is configured to transmit to the animal tag acommand, data, a query, or a combination thereof.
 40. The system ofclaim 21, comprising a plurality of readers.
 41. The system of claim 40,comprising a stationary reader and a mobile reader; the stationaryreader being configured to communicate with the mobile reader; themobile reader being configured to communicate with a data manager. 42.The system of claim 41, wherein the mobile reader is configured toreceive power from the data manager.
 43. The system of claim 21, furthercomprising a power source; the power source comprising a solar cell, abattery, or a combination thereof.
 44. The system of claim 43, whereinthe power source is configured to provide power to the reader, thebeacon, or a combination thereof.
 45. The system of claim 21, furthercomprising a beacon power source, a reader power source, or acombination thereof.
 46. The system of claim 21, further comprising adata manager; the data manager being configured to process data obtainedby the animal tag, generated by the animal tag, or a combinationthereof.
 47. The system of claim 46, wherein the data manager isconfigured to display information about a status of an animal and toprovide an alert if the status of the animal meets an alert condition.48. A method of monitoring animal behavior comprising: providing ananimal and an animal tag coupled to the animal; the animal tagcomprising a tag transceiver and memory storing tag informationcomprising indicia identifying the animal; the animal being enclosed ina region of a facility including at least a portion of an area ofinterest; the area of interest being within and smaller than thefacility; broadcasting from a beacon a beacon signal encompassing thearea of interest; the beacon signal comprising beacon informationcomprising an identifier of the area of interest; receiving the beaconsignal at the tag transceiver when the animal is in or adjacent to thearea of interest, the memory of the animal tag storing tag informationcomprising the beacon information, information generated at the animaltag when the beacon signal is received, or a combination thereof;transmitting from the tag to the reader a tag signal comprising taginformation; receiving at the reader transceiver the tag signal from theanimal tag; transmitting reader information from the reader transceiverto a data manager, the reader information including the tag information,information generated when the tag information is received at thereader, or a combination thereof; processing the reader informationreceived by the data manager to determine a status of the animal; andpresenting an alert if the status of the animal is outside predefinedparameters.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein transmitting readerinformation from the reader transceiver to the data manager comprisestransmitting the reader information from the reader transceiver to amobile reader, the mobile reader transmitting the information to thedata manager.
 50. The method of claim 48, further comprising indicatinga status of the animal on a display.
 51. The method of claim 50, whereinprocessing the reader information comprises: generating a status updatefor the animal, the status update identifying the animal and indicatinga monitored condition of the animal; analyzing the status update todetermine whether an alert condition exists; updating the status of theanimal on the display; and presenting the alert on the display if thealert condition is determined to exist.
 52. The method of claim 51,wherein updating the status of the animal on the display comprises:adding the status update to a web page; and refreshing the web page. 53.The method of claim 48, comprising: providing a plurality of animals,each animal being coupled to an animal tag comprising indiciaidentifying the animal; monitoring and displaying a status of each ofanimal of the plurality.
 54. A method of monitoring animal feeding anddrinking behavior, the method comprising: providing an animal and ananimal tag coupled to the animal; the animal tag comprising a tagtransceiver and memory storing tag information comprising indiciaidentifying the animal; the animal being in a region of a facility; theanimal being able to access a feed trough and a water trough from theregion; broadcasting a water trough beacon signal over a first beaconrange that encompasses the water trough; the water trough beacon signalcomprising water trough beacon information comprising an identifier ofthe water trough; broadcasting a feed trough beacon signal over a secondbeacon range that encompasses the feed trough; the feed trough beaconsignal comprising feed trough beacon information comprising anidentifier of the feed trough; receiving the water trough beacon signalat the tag transceiver when the animal is located at the water trough;receiving the feed trough beacon signal at the tag transceiver when theanimal is located at the feed trough; storing tag information in thememory of the tag, the tag information comprising an indication theanimal has been proximate the water trough, an indication the animal hasbeen proximate the feed trough, or a combination thereof; transmittingfrom the tag to a reader a tag signal comprising the tag information;receiving the tag signal at the reader; transmitting reader informationto a data manager, the reader information comprising the taginformation, information generated when the tag signal is received atthe reader, or a combination thereof, processing the reader informationat the data manager to determine an animal nourishment status indicatingwhether the animal has been proximate the feed trough, the water trough,or a combination thereof, displaying the animal nourishment status to auser; and displaying an alert if the animal nourishment status indicatesthe animal has not been proximate the feed trough, the water trough, ora combination thereof for a predetermined period of time.
 55. The methodof claim 54, displaying the animal nourishment status to a usercomprises: indicating the animal nourishment status of the animal on adisplay; receiving an updated animal nourishment status for the animal;analyzing the updated animal nourishment status to determine whether theanimal has been adequately feeding and drinking; updating the displaywith the updated animal nourishment status; and displaying an alert ifthe animal has not been adequately feeding and drinking.
 56. The methodof claim 55, wherein updating the display comprises: adding the updatedanimal nourishment status to a web page; and refreshing the web page.57. The method of claim 54, comprising: providing a plurality ofanimals, each animal being coupled to an animal tag comprising indiciaidentifying the animal; monitoring and displaying an animal nourishmentstatus of each of the animals.
 58. A method of monitoring processing ofan animal comprising: providing an animal and an animal tag coupled tothe animal; the animal tag comprising a tag transceiver and memorystoring tag information comprising indicia identifying the animal; theanimal moving through a chute; broadcasting a chute entrance beaconsignal over a first beacon range that encompasses an entrance to thechute; the chute entrance beacon signal comprising first beaconinformation comprising an identifier of the entrance to the chute;receiving at the tag transceiver the chute entrance beacon signal whenthe animal enters the chute; processing the animal while the animal islocated within the chute; broadcasting a chute exit beacon signal over asecond beacon range that encompasses an exit from the chute; the chuteexit beacon signal comprising second beacon information comprising anidentifier of the exit from the chute; receiving the chute exit beaconsignal at the tag transceiver when the animal has been processed and isexiting the chute; storing tag information in the memory of the tag, thetag information comprising a type of processing and indicia indicatingcompletion of the processing; transmitting from the tag to a reader atag signal comprising the tag information; receiving the tag signal atthe reader; transmitting reader information from the reader to a datamanager, the reader information comprising the tag information,information generated when the tag information is received at thereader, or a combination thereof; processing the information received bythe data manager to determine whether the animal has been adequatelyprocessed; and presenting an alert indicating a status of the animal ifthe animal has not been adequately processed.
 59. The method of claim58, wherein processing the animal comprises vaccinating the animal.